Neil McClellan Gillespie
Apr 25th, 1956 - Mar 13th, 2026- Birth Date: Apr 25, 1956
- Death Date: Mar 13, 2026
- Funeral Date: Mar 30, 2026 at 11:00 am
- Location: Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock AR 72212
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Biography:
Having exhausted his earthly limit of estate sales, Neil McClellan Gillespie—known to many as Uncle Nick— went to check out what’s going on in heaven on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Neil was born to Miriam and Alex Tharp Gillespie on April 25, 1956. He grew up in Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1974, later completing his bachelor's degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Over the years, Neil wore many hats. He was a volunteer, a server, a banker, an artist, an actor, and a potter. But his most important roles were those of son, brother, and uncle.
Throughout his life, Neil showed up—(sometimes late, but usually with pies in hand)—redefining what it means to be a family man and bringing smiles wherever he went.
Neil was deeply committed to serving his community. For more than 25 years, he was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon and served faithfully in many roles. His love for Little Rock extended well beyond the church walls. He worked for many years at the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum Store and served the city through his appointment to the Little Rock Sustainability Commission. He also volunteered with organizations including the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and Habitat for Humanity, among many others. Wherever an extra set of hands, a welcoming smile, or a well-timed wisecrack was needed, Neil often found his way there.
Neil was a faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous, a journey that reflected his resilience, humility, and commitment to helping others.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Alex Tharp Gillespie Jr.
He is survived by his sister, Catherine Gillespie Talpas (John); his nieces and nephew, Mimi Gavigan (Mike), Abby “Bebe” Considine (Michael), Brother Nipper (Amanda), Brianna Gillespie, and Mary Tharp Talpas; his great-nieces and nephew, Jamie and Murphy Gavigan, Maddie and Emery Considine, and Ruby Nipper; and his special friend, Wrenne Green.
Our family is especially grateful for the love, care, and steadfast support shown by those who walked alongside Neil over the years, especially his UAMS care team—including Dr. Atiq and Angelia—and his beloved friends Tracee and Pat Matthews and Joan Courtney.
A celebration of his life with the community that loved him will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Monday, March 30 at 11:00 a.m.
Neil’s humor, kindness, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests doing something unexpected and kind for someone else in Neil’s honor or making a memorial gift to Second Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the directioin of RuebelFuneralHome.com
Cathy, I’m thinking of you and sending prayers.
To Neil, Good luck on your next journey, and tell Alex that Greg Bryant said hello.
lit a candle
