Roosevelt 'TuBaby' Gillespie

Roosevelt "TuBaby" Gillespie, 86, of Blytheville, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

He was born in Blytheville, the son of Louise Andrews Gillespie and Shelly Gillespie, and grew up in in the Flat Lake community. He was a member of Jeremiah Temple and later joined True Light Missionary Baptist Church but returned to Jeremiah Temple. He served as deacon at both churches. At Jeremiah Temple, he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and was a member of the Finance Committee.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Linda and Marilyn;

Two sons, Johnny and Ivory;

One sister, Mae McMorris; and

Two brothers, James and Booker.

His survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mrs. Cardell Gillespie of the home;

Three daughters, Ms. Carlotta Greenberry of Olive Branch, Miss., Ms. Rita Gillespie of Blytheville and Ms. Carlynn Coleman of Jacksonville, Fla.;

Five sons, Lee Ester Thompson of Grand Rapids, Mich., Bishop Dr. Carl (and Althea) Logan of Jacksonville, Fla., Shelly Gillespie, Vernal (and Latanya) Gillespie all of Blytheville;

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Forrest (and Gabriela) Gillespie of Nuremberg, Germany; and

Thirty grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday at True Light Missionary Baptist Church at 1100 S. Lilly St. with the Rev. Jay Slaughter, pastor. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday at Prince of Peace Church at 501 E. McHaney Drive with the Rev. Timothy J. Rogers, pastor. Burial will follow at Sandy Ridge Cemetery in Burdette.

McDonald-Horne Funeral Home of Blytheville is in charge of arrangements.