Darrell Drayton Gillespie
Darrell Drayton Gillespie, 82, of Martinsville, Virginia passed Sunday, September 28, 2025. He was born November 3, 1942, to the late Rufus Franklin Gillespie and Stella Jane Wade Gillespie.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Kay Frances Kane Gillespie; brothers, Troy Gillespie, David Gillespie, and Cecil Gillespie; and special friend, Linda Gibson.
Darrell was of the Baptist faith and proudly served his country in the United States Army infantry during the Vietnam conflict, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his time in service, he pursued studies in funeral service, earning an associate degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas. Over the years, he worked as an embalmer and funeral director, working with Roselawn Funeral Chapel, serving as Embalming/Manager at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, managing Tomlinson Funeral Home, and later ending his career as an embalmer at Wright Funeral Service. Darrell was one of the best embalmers in the Martinsville area, he trained many who went on to serve the profession. Darrell was a man with a quiet and compassionate heart who opened his home to children that were not his own, showing compassion for others though his work. In his free time, he enjoyed visiting the mountains as well as beaches. He left a lasting mark on both his community and his profession.
He is survived by his sister-In-Law, Peggy Gillespie; and special care giver, Jeannett Harris.
A special thank you to Mountain Valley Hospice and the staff of Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina.
A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Evergreen Mausoleum, 1307 Summit Avenue SW, Roanoke, Virginia 24015, with Lee Ashley officiating. Military Honors will be presented by VaARNG Military Funeral Honors Group.
Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.
