James Mark Gillespie

Mr. James Mark Gillespie, 65, of Mount Airy, passed away Sunday morning, April 2, 2023, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.  Mr. Gillespie was born January 29, 1958, in Managua, Nicaragua, one of three children born to James Leroy and Teresa “Tee” Hulon Gillespie.  Mark graduated from North Surry High School in 1976, and he earned his bachelor’s degree from Wingate College (now university) in 1980.  He later earned his master’s degree in human development from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  Mark worked with special needs adults throughout North Carolina, including Surry County, Union County, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, for many years.  He was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an international organization recognizing those who have contributed and excelled in an outstanding capacity in the realm of education.  Music was a big part of Mark’s life, as it brought him much joy.  Consequently, he volunteered countless hours with Voce, a premier choral ensemble established in 2002 by the late Sandy Beam, performing many administrative duties.  He is survived by his mother, Teresa “Tee” Hulon Gillespie of Lowgap; a niece, Leigh Ann Davis of Pfafftown; a great-niece, Laekyn Davis of Pfafftown; a great-nephew, Taelyn Davis of Pfafftown; and a brother-in-law, Bruce Chappell of Mount Airy.  Mr. Gillespie was preceded in death by his father, James Leroy Gillespie; and two sisters, Lisa Bryant Gillespie and Miriam Heather Gillespie Chappell.  A service of worship and celebration of Mark’s life will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with Teresa “Tee” Hulon Gillespie and the Rev. Alton Bledsoe officiating.  The family will receive friends Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at the funeral home.  A private inurnment will be held at a later date in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Voce, c/o Bill and Linda Griffin, 131 Bon Aire Road, Elkin, NC  28621.