EARL S. GILLESPIE

Earl S. Gillespie, 95, passed away peacefully at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

      He was predeceased by his parents, John Wrightly and Mabel Gillespie; and his sister, Gail Heinen. Devoted to his family, he is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughter, Kim; son, Anthony; and brother, Richard. Born in Wildwood (TN), Earl was especially fond of his roots in southwest Virginia (Coeburn) where he grew up and attended high school. As a student writing in his high school newspaper, he observed, "It is up to the students . . . to see that Coeburn is always represented by an honest and clean team in all sports." After a tour of duty in the United States Air Force, he graduated from Washington and Lee University and earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia. He then returned to Coeburn High School to coach football, baseball, and basketball and serve as the school's athletic director.

     In 1961 Earl assumed duties as the first assistant executive secretary of the Virginia High School League (VHSL), the organization responsible for directing athletics and activities for the commonwealth's public high schools. He was also the VHSL's first supervisor of officials. Highly regarded for his knowledge and attention to athletic playing rules, he expanded services and provided training for more than 8,000 Virginia officials in 17 sports each year. Earl was named the League's executive director in 1986, serving in that role until his retirement in 1994. Among numerous honors received by Gillespie were induction to the Virginia High School Hall of Fame (1994) and the National High School Hall of Fame (2005).

     Not surprisingly many of Earl's passions and activities involved sports, athletic officiating, and University of Virginia teams. For more than 25 years he enjoyed officiating high school football games. He officiated high school basketball for 30 years; and well into his 80's, Earl frequented the scorer's table at U-Hall and later John Paul Jones Arena as the designated observer/evaluator of basketball crews for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Of course, he had season tickets at Scott Stadium for the Hoos' football games and cheered the baseball team at Davenport Field at Disharoon Park. And Earl loved his weekly nine-hole rounds, often at Birdwood Golf Course.

      An avid reader, Earl also derived great pleasure from serving as a Book Buddy, teaching local youth to read and enjoy books. He also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and was active in the United Methodist Church.

     The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the kind and compassionate caregivers and doctors who aided Earl and offered valuable assistance over the past few weeks.

     In lieu of flowers, take a friend to lunch.

     Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

     Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.