Samuel Gillespie

Samuel Merritt Gillespie, age 83, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on August 10, 2017 in Chambersburg, PA. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Carol R. Gillespie of Chambersburg, his son, Steve Gillespie and wife Bobbi of Chambersburg, his step-daughter, Kathy Zimmerman and husband David of Dillsburg, his step-son, William Anderson, Jr., and wife Mary of Ventura, CA; eight grandchildren, Ben Zimmerman of Elizabethtown, PA, Amber Forde of Norristown, PA, Erin Gillespie of Chambersburg, PA, Lauren Gillespie of Easton, PA, Trey Anderson of Ventura, CA, Molly Harper of Phoenixville, PA, Theodore Anderson of Bluffton, SC, and Tristan Anderson of Ventura, CA; and six great-grandchildren.

Sam was born in Paoli, PA on December 16, 1933 to parents James and Pauline Gillespie. He graduated from the Chambersburg High School and joined the US Air Force after graduation. He worked as a postal clerk at the Chambersburg Post Office for forty-one years. He married Carol Ridall Anderson in 1974. Sam was awarded the Mike Waters Award in 2009 for over thirty years of service to youth, the homeless, and the community. In 2016 he was awarded the United Way Top Volunteer Award for his work as the volunteer treasurer of Franklin County Friends of Legal Services, where he handled the logistics of the annual book sale. He had a passion for Little League baseball and enjoyed serving locally as a coach and as the organization’s treasurer for many years. Sam enjoyed the Philadelphia Phillies, collecting steins, and spending time with his wife, Carol. He was heavily involved in service at First United Methodist Church in Chambersburg where he taught Sunday school, sang with the church choir and the Merry Methodists, and was active with the Hungry Hearts Ministry.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Gillespie, Jr., and his sister, Jane Kelley.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 19, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, Chambersburg, PA. Rev. Catherine Boileau and Rev. Dianne B. Salter will officiate. Interment will be private. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the church’s Family Life Center where all are welcome to attend and celebrate Sam’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 225 South Second Street, or to Franklin County Legal Services, 14 North Main Street, Suite 401, both in Chambersburg, PA 17201.