R. E. (Ed) Gillespie 73 of Urbana died at 4:55 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

A memorial reception will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the Stone Creek Event Center, Urbana. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Ed was born on November 3, 1941 in East St. Louis, Missouri, the son of R. E. and Ada Mae Gillespie. He married Judith Cooper on August 15, 1965 in Champaign, she survives.

Also surviving are one daughter; Kimberly Gillespie Halberstadt of Savoy and one son; Zachary E. Gillespie of Champaign. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

He was raised in Urbana and graduated from Urbana High School in 1960. He attended Parkland College then he transferred to the University of Illinois. Ed was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the 82nd Air Borne at Fort Bragg. He retired from Monitor Sign Service in Mattoon as a graphic artist and sales person.

Ed was a member of University Place Christian Church, Champaign. He was an artist, an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Illini Basketball fan.

Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.