William M. Gillespie, 97, Rock Lake, Akron, Ind., passed away at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, at his residence.

He was born at VanWert, Ohio on Jan. 16, 1916, to Joshua and Mary May (Sherburn) Gillespie. He graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1935 and on Nov. 20, 1938, he married Selena L. Rhodes.

Bill owned and operated the Standard Oil Gas Station in Silver Lake, Ind., and later was a mechanic at Kerlin Motor Co. in Silver Lake for 30 years. He was a member of the West Eel River Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake.

He is survived by his daughter: Joe (Billie) Risner, Akron; three grandchildren: Ginger Dwyer, Florida; Nicole (Albert) Gutierrez, Akron; Stacey (Chris) Hoxie, Silver Lake; and seven great-grandchildren: Heather and Sara Dwyer; Emma and Bella Gutierrez; Dylon, Elizabeth and Gavin Hoxie.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a son: Jay Gillespie; five sisters; and a half-brother.

Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at McKee Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at the funeral home. Pastor Ed French will officiate services and burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1476 W. 18th Street, Rochester, IN 46975-7939.