Dale “Giz” E. Gillespie, age 84, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022, at his lakeside cottage at Londo Lake in Hale, Michigan with his family by his side following a brief illness. He was born in Bangor Township, Michigan on February 9, 1938, to the late Ivan E. and Gladys (Taylor) Gillespie. He graduated from TL Handy High School, Class of 1956 and joined the U.S. Marines for 3 years of service. He retired from Bay City Powertrain and wintered in South Fort Myers, FL where he became a 31-year member of the American Legion Post 0274. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and golfing, where he hit his first hole in one at the age of 84. He enjoyed living near the water. He married Betty Ann Hales, on November 5, 1960 at Jefferson Ave. Methodist Church in Saginaw.
Dale is survived by his wife, Betty Ann, along with their son Kyle (Betty Jeanne) Gillespie, daughter-in-law, Michelle Gillespie, and sister-in-law, Marsha Hales and 4 grandchildren, Brooke, Brande, Kristin and Taylor, and 5 great-grandchildren. His siblings Ivan (Wayne) Gillespie, and Jewel (Dean) Oswald, Jack (Karen) Gillespie and Joy (Glenn) Knochel, and brother and sisters in laws, Don (Sandy) Hales, Barb Bryant. He was preceded in Death by son Kevin Dale Gillespie, a grandson Jason Dale Gillespie, his in-laws, Tom and Marian Higgins-Hales, Jim Hales, brother-in-law, Eric Bryant, sister-in-law Shirley Gillespie.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Rivertown Funeral Chapel, Kawkawlin, Michigan, with Pastor Sam Bennett presiding, followed by Military Honors. Family will greet friends from 10:30am until the time of service.
