James "J.R." Gillaspie

James Robert “J.R.” Gillaspie, age 85 passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025. He was born on January 23, 1940 in Shreveport, LA, the son of James R. and Birdie Louise Gillaspie.

J.R.’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, love, and devotion. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Billy and Birdie Gillaspie, he grew up to be a shining example of determination, graduating high school in 1957 and joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He married Carolyn in 1960 and celebrated 65 years of marriage, raising a family and teaching them valuable life lessons through camping, hunting, and music. JR's faith guided him to become an ordained preacher in 1985, and he continued to minister to those in need throughout his life. His legacy is a reminder that one person can make a profound impact on the lives of others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; James R. Gillaspie, Sr. and Birdie Lyle Brewer; sisters, Karen Barron and Melba Davis; brother, Kenneth Gillaspie; granddaughter, Mazie Laine Berry, and three nephews.

J.R. leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Burton Gillaspie; daughters, Lori A. Gillaspie of Marble Falls, TX, Dana Gillaspie-Gates and son-in-law, Terry S. Gates, of Idabel, OK; son, Robert S. Gillaspie, Guntersville, AL; grandchildren, Joshua Reagan Rowe, Jared Blake Rowe, Jordan P. Rowe, Dena Tuggle Casey, J.R. Gillaspie, Scott Gillaspie, Daughton W. Berry, Jackson Gillaspie and Carson Gillaspie, Shelly Gates Randolph, Lindsey Gates Shelton and Brandon Gates; eighteen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Haworth Assembly of God.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the Haworth Assembly of God Church in Haworth, OK with Bro. John Moden officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his honor to McCurtain Memorial Hospital, 1301 Lincoln Ave, Idabel OK 74745 or to Kidz Kottage Child Advocacy Center, 208 NE J Ave, Idabel, OK 74745.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.whitefamilyfh.com.

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