Roderick Steve Gillespie

Roderick Steve Gillespie, aka “Hot Rod,” passed away peacefully in Tomball, Texas, on July 9, 2022, at the age of 75.  He was born on July 13, 1946, in Ennis, Texas, to C.R. Gillespie and Betty Francis Gillespie (Robertson.)  He was the oldest of three children (Rod, Brian, and Jan.)

After serving his country in Vietnam, Rod returned to Fort Hood, Texas, and later to his family’s home in Metairie, LA, where he met the love of his life, Jackie Munster, in 1973 on ladies’ night at a club.  They married in 1976.  Shortly thereafter, Rod and Jackie moved to Houston, Texas, started a family and he became a Metro operator and bakery owner.

Rod and Jackie went on to have two children, Jennifer in 1979 and Hunter in 1982, who they raised in Texas.  Rod enjoyed taking them hunting and teaching them gunmanship which he really loved.

He spent his retirement years enjoying his grandchildren, his motorcycle, his boat, and his absolute favorite, the corvette (Vietnam Vet.)  Rod was absolutely devoted to his beautiful wife, his “sweet P,” the love of his life for 46 years!  He prayed for his family and recited the Lord’s Prayer daily.  He believed in being honest and standing up for what was right and believed that kindness pays off.

Rod is survived by his wife Jacquelyn Gillespie, his daughter Jennifer Russell (Eric), his son Hunter Gillespie (Grace), his sister Dr. Jan Gillespie-Wagner (Robert), his nephew Brian Gillespie, and his grandchildren Donovan, Julie, Isaac, Lilly, Dylan, Allie, Josef, Eli, Emily, and Camila.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org.)