Mr. Douglas Gillespie, Sr., 82, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at his residence. He was born on March 6, 1943, in Rowland, NC, to the late Henry Gillespie and Pearlie Douglas Gillespie. He was one of fourteen children born to this union.

Doug attended Southside High School in Rowland, NC. There he was a prominent player of the Men’s Varsity Basketball team.

On May 14, 1961, Douglas married Margaret “Sis” Elizabeth McLean, the love of his life, beginning a union that lasted 64 years. That same year, Doug moved his family to Washington, DC, eventually settling in High Point, NC, where they made this their final home.

Arriving in High Point, he started his working career at W.A. Milling Company. He was the Senior Truck Delivery Specialist. Continuing his employment career, Doug was the head custodian at High Point Central High School. He earned the nickname, “Mr. G” because of his dedication and loyalty to the students. “Mr. G” was responsible for the upkeep of A. J. Simon Stadium on Friday nights. He retired from Guilford County Schools in 2013.

Prior to leaving Rowland, NC, Doug was an active member of Salem Methodist Church. Upon relocating to High Point, NC, he became a dedicated member of Williams Memorial CME Church. A member of Williams Memorial Church, where he served faithfully for over 50 years. Doug began his custodian work alongside J. B. Baldwin and was later appointed by Pastor Robert J. Williams to serve as a Steward under the leadership of Brother Love. Recognized for his unwavering commitment and selfless service, Doug was elected chairman of the Steward Board by his peers and led with distinction for sixteen years. His passion, consistency, devotion, and loyalty to this ministry were evident as he served the Lord wholeheartedly until the end.

He loved spending time with his family and was instrumental in hosting family gathering/cookouts, reunions and ultimately climaxing with Thanksgivings Dinners where it was over one hundred family members in attendance at High Point Central. Doug was also a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins and a UNC-Chapel Tarheel basketball fan.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, his sibling, Minnie, James Henry, Herman, Clyde, Charles, John Gillespie, Ernestine Baker, Helen Currie, and grandson Steveland Gillespie.

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Margaret Gillespie; a son Douglas, Jr. (Fay) Gillespie of High Point, NC; his daughters, Belinda (Sylvester) Alexander of Columbus, GA, Anita Jones, Marva Hairston of High Point, JoAnn (Robert) Ingram of Greensboro, NC; his brothers, Gilbert (Tammy) Gillespie, and Clinton (Annie) Gillespie all of Greensboro, NC; sisters-in-law, Mary Gillespie, Wanda Gillespie, Elanor McLean, Sarah (Willie) Evans; grandchildren, Yolanda, Jocelyn, Josh, Nolan, Jonathan, Yolanda, Willie, Ralph, Darius, Jasmine, Pierre, Joseph; ten great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Friday, December 12, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Williams Memorial CME Church. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Mr. Gillespie may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.