Lawrence Wallace Gillespie

Calais – Lawrence “Larry” Wallace Gillespie, 86, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Calais Regional Hospital with his loving family by his side. Larry was born in Calais on February 13, 1931, son of Wallace and Winnifred (Skinner) Gillespie.

After graduating from Calais Memorial High School, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served his country during the Korean War with the Infantry Division, earning 2 Purple Hearts. Larry returned home to Calais where he met his future wife, Mary St. Pierre. They were united in marriage on April 11, 1955. Larry worked for Dead River, Cutler Naval Base, and eventually the U.S. Post Office in Calais, from which he retired in 1990 with over 30 years of service.

Larry was a Communicant of Immaculate Conception R.C. Church in Calais, Lewy’s Island Lodge No. 138 in Princeton, Anah Temple Shrine in Bangor, American Legion, and the V.F.W. He enjoyed spending time at his camp in Tomah where he was a member of Kennebec Hunting Club. Larry was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, going for buggy rides, but above all, he loved to dance with his beloved wife Mary. Many mornings, he could be found hanging out with his friends at McDonalds.

In addition to his parents, Larry was predeceased by his wife, Mary Gillespie; brother, James “Jim” Gillespie; and a son-in-law, Donnie Burgess. Surviving are his four children, Annette Gillespie of Machias, Mary-Jo Smith and husband, Jeffrey of Charlotte, Bill Gillespie of Calais, and Michelle Brown and husband, Dean of Alexander; several grandchildren and special to his heart, Robbie Burgess and wife, Jure of Bangor and their children Baylee, Hayden and Tre, Shane Brown and wife, Caitlin of Hermon and their children Hartley and Peyton, and Evan Brown and companion, Jodie Wood of Alexander and his daughter Leah; several nieces and nephews; and his special niece, Sharon Baum and husband, Greg of Mt. Juliet, TN.

A graveside service for both Larry and his wife Mary will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Calais Cemetery. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.

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