Dr. William Gillespie, Jr., M.D. Dr. William Meek Gillespie, Jr., M.D., age 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 31, 2013. The Rev. John Branning will officiate at a graveside service in Magnolia Cemetery, Meridian Mississippi, on Saturday, August 3, at 1:00 p.m. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements. Dr. Gillespie was born May 17, 1927, in Charleston Mississippi to the late William Meek Gillespie, Sr. and Emy Louise Price Gillespie. "Billy" was an outstanding musician. As a boy growing up in the Delta, he played in a band with Jazz great Mose Allison. He continued performing jazz clarinet while a student at Ole Miss. Billy graduated from Charleston High School in 1945. After serving two years in the United States Navy V12 program in Chicago, he returned to attend the University of Mississippi. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Dr. Gillespie received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri. He was selected by the world renowned Dr. Arthur Guyton to research/co-author and present his early landmark cardiovascular work. Following an internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, he joined the general medical practice of Lamar Arrington, M.D. in Meridian in 1954. During his nearly fifty year career, Dr. Gillespie served multiple terms as Chief of Staff at Jeff Anderson Memorial Hospital. He was a charter member of the American Academy of Family Practice and an active member of the Mississippi Medical Association. Dr. Gillespie was a sixty year member of Central Methodist Church. His passions were his family and the practice of medicine. In 1952, Dr. Gillespie married the former Sarah Margaret Rayner of Meridian. She preceded him in death in 2001. He is survived by his sister, Grace Jean McClendon (BB) of Jackson, his three children Lynne G. Krogstad (Ken) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, William Gillespie III, M.D. (Lynn) of Columbus, Mississippi, Phillip S. Gillespie (Dan) of Salem, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Benjamin Krogstad, Sarah Krogstad, William Gillespie, IV, M.D., Chandler Gillespie, Sarah Gillespie Randall, and Eleanor Gillespie Randall. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1004 23rd Avenue, Meridian, Mississippi 39301 or the charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at robertbarhamffh.com
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