Neal C. Gillespie

Dr. Neal C. Gillespie, 92, husband of Sarah C. Gillespie died at his home on September 13, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Born in Canton, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Dewey and Mollye Gillespie.  Upon graduation from an Atlanta high school, Neal served three years active duty in the US Navy, completing his military obligation in the Naval Reserve. Neal received his undergraduate degree from Emory College of Arts and Sciences in 1959.  After completion of his undergraduate degree he attended Duke University where he met his “wife to be” Sarah Sherrill Calhoun (Sherrie) of Clio, South Carolina.  Upon graduating with a Doctorate of History, Neal taught history for many years at Georgia State University and retired as a Full Professor Emeritus. A note from Tim Crimmins, chair of the Georgia State University History Department in the 1990’s: “Neal Gillespie’s scholarship and teaching in the fields of intellectual history and the history of science were critical contributions to the early growth of the MA and PhD program in history at Georgia State University. He was a genial colleague and meticulous in his preparation for his classes and in his direction of student research.”

During the Spring of 1960 Neal and Sherrie were married in the Chapel of Trinity United Methodist Church, Clio, SC.  Their residence being strategically located in near proximity of both Georgia State University and Emory University they spent many dedicated years together in academia bliss.  When fate called Sherrie back to Clio to care for her parents, Neal would visit on a regular basis.  In their latter years when Neal could no longer make the trip they were like two teenagers, on the phone, talking twice a week for two hours plus. Neal was dedicated and always supportive of his wife Sarah C Gillespie.

He is survived by his wife Sarah, brother-in-law LH Calhoun, Jr. and wife Rhetta of Clio, SC, nephews Davis Calhoun and wife Julie of Clio, SC and Gare Calhoun and wife Erin Davis of Solon, IA and nieces Teresa Mullens of Sautee Nacoochee, GA and Rebecca Morrison of Durham, NC.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Margaret G. Morrison.

There will be a graveside service at 2pm Monday October 6, 2025, at McLucas Cemetery in Clio, SC followed by a gathering of friends and family at Buddy and Rhetta’s home, 3442 Hwy 9 East, Clio SC 29525.

Sarah (Sherrie) will welcome visitors at her home (406 Red Bluff St) any afternoon prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to McLucas Cemetery in care of Mildred McCaskill, Post Office Box 274, Clio, SC 29525.

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