Pastor, Educator, Businessman Shay Gillespie Dies Saturday
July 17th, 2017 by iPhone
Shay Gillespie, known to most people in Drew County by the many roles he played different ministries and organizations, passed away Saturday morning, around 10 AM, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, after battling a long illness.
Rev. Gillespie was pastor of Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Wilmar.
He and Mrs. Sherrie owned and operated Head of the Class Childcare and Learning Center
This 2010 MLive interview with Shay & Sherrie describes his background, both in education and business, through the years.
In 2008, Shay & Sherrie and Head of the Class was honored as Business of the Year by the Monticello Chamber of Commerce.
In 2009, Shay and Sherrie honored, individually, as Man and Woman of the Year.
Fellow Pastor D. J. Buffington described him by saying, “Shay held a unique and important place in our community. He will be greatly missed by many people.”
I knew shay. He and my daddy Charles Raymond Marter sr. Played softball together back in the day….. Praying for the family in their time of loss. He will be greatly missed
Shay was a very sweet and kind man prayers for his family
Monticello has lost a jewel. Shay was a pillar in the community as well as, his family. I appreciate knowing him. I met him in the 70’s at UAM and a working friendship developed until this day. May the Lord Bless his lovely wife and family.
Mr. Shay gave me my first real job after college. He was a great man of God. I learned a lot from him and enjoyed my time at Head of the Class. I only regret missing the opportunity to say “Thank You”. My prays go out to Ms. Sherrie and entire family, and all those he was able to touch through Head of the Class.
Rest in peace Mr. Shay. You will be missed.
Our sincere condolences and love to our play children, Donnie & Angela Rayford and the entire Gillespie family. We pray that the Lord will comfort, strengthen and give you peace. May you feel His presence holding you and sustaining you during this difficult time. Please let us know if you need anything, we love you.???
So sad… prayers to the family. Shay was a great leader in our community.
Shay was a dreamer, who dreamed big, leaving his footprint in the sand. He always looked for the good and not the bad in people.
Now, the good is his forever.
Friends forever,
Henry F. Richardson, Pastor
First Missionary Baptist Church
prayers for this family shay will be missed by many in monticello and se ark..
My sincere condolences to the GILLESPISE family’s. Truly going to be missed. A beautiful soul is never forgotten. May god be with the family.
My condolences to Gillespie family. I remember Shay from UAM doing Dr. King’s speech I Have a Dream. I even played softball for him back in the day he will be missed. Rest in His Arms.
Felicia Shorter
Dear Sherrie and family, I just found out that Pastor Shay has gone to be with the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Our loss is Heavens gain.
Condolences and prayers to my fraternity brothers’ Family!
I am praying for you and the immediate family for love, faith and health. I love you but God loves you more…
T0 the family of Shay you all or in my thoughts and prays go out to you.I have know all of you most of my life. Sherrie and the kids God will take care of you all. Shay was a friend for a long time,