John Stevenson (Johnny) Gillespie, 78, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2010, following a long illness. John was born in Salem, Va., on July 6, 1932, and lived in the area all of his life. He was the son of the late David and Lucy Turner Gillespie. John was a self-employed roofer for more than 50 years and had been an avid bowler. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Virginia Gillespie, of Roanoke, Gary and Joyce Gillespie, of Boones Mill, and Ricky and Kathy Gillespie, of Bedford; daughters and son-in-law, Peggy Graham, of Roanoke, Wanda and Lewis Loving, of Bedford, and Donna Dodd and her special friend, Joe Welch, of Garden City; 19 grandchildren; many, many great-grandchildren; brother, Joe Gillespie, of Lynchburg; and sister ,Barbara Dooley. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2010, at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations, 4922 Valley View Blvd., North with Pastor Charles Fisher officiating. Burial will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call on Sunday, July 18, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.