Clarence Gillespie

ANNA, Ill. -- Clarence Gillespie, 89, of Anna died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, at Rehab and Care Center of Jackson County in Murphysboro, Ill.

He was born March 8, 1918, in Simpson, Ill., son of Clarence O. and Mae Colgrove Gillespie. He and Arawayne Rushing were married Aug. 23, 1939, in Jackson. She died Aug. 9, 2000.

Gillespie worked at Daniel's Grocery Store and then worked at Anna Post Office 37 years. He was a member of Anna First Baptist Church, taught Sunday school many years, was training union instructor and a deacon. He organized a baseball team that played other teams in the region.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include two sons, Richard Gillespie of Anna, Ray Gillespie of Las Vegas.; a daughter, Pam Fisher of Denton, Texas; two sisters, Mary Jackson of Jonesboro, Ill., Peggy Mallams of Anna; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister and an infant brother.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tony Foeller officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery with military honors by Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 of Anna.