Mr. Donald Eugene Gillespie, 79, of Morganton, passed away on Wednesday January 1, 2025, at his residence after a period of declining health.

Mr. Gillespie was born August 31, 1945, in Mitchell County, a son of the late Bill and Cora Fortner Gillispie.  Donald moved to Salem Community in 1972 and has been an important part of the community ever since.  He was a former member of the Salem Volunteer Fire Department, and for 22 years,  Donald loved coaching youth Basketball, Baseball, and Football for the Salem Ruritan Club and Girls Basketball for Salem Jr. High School where he made a lasting difference in a host of young people’s life.  Donald was well known by his work as cashier for Salem General Store where he enjoyed meeting, talking to and cutting-up with all customers that came through.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Wendy Gillespie Howard, a sister, Joyce Dube, three brothers, M. Dean, Jack and Ed Gillespie, mother and father-in-law, who were like parents to him, William and Maggie Price.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 60 years, Willie Price Gillespie, a son, Donie Allen Gillespie (Christy) of Morganton, a daughter, Dawn Ross (Tony Laws) of Morganton, a sister Judy Fleming (Ray) of Morganton.  Also surviving are the apples of his eye, his grandchildren, Victor Ramsey, Kaleb Ross (Kaley), Amber Moore (Justin), Brandon Ross (Annie) and Adam Moon, great-grandchildren, Ellie Ross, Grayson Ramsey, Grace Ross, Savannah Moore and Kanyon Moore.  Special survivors include brother-in-law, David Price (Kay), sisters-in-law, Essie Gillespie, Vickie Price and most of all, the children he influenced during his coaching career.

The Family of Donald Eugene Gillespie will receive friends Monday January 6, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Amorem, Burke Hospice, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservice.com.