Emmett M Gillespie

Emmett "Bubba" M. Gillespie Jr., 77, went to be with our Lord on Friday, April 8th, 2022, at his home after a lengthy illness. Emmett was born on March 21st, 1945, in Blackwell, Oklahoma to parents Emmett M Gillespie Sr. and Ruby (Russell) Gillespie. He attended Midwest City Grade School. He graduated from Star Spencer High School. He attended UCO for a short time and then enlisted into the US Navy and was stationed in Jacksonville, FL. He was then sent overseas to be stationed at Sigonilla, Sicily for four years as a navigator on a Patron Seven airplane searching for Russian submarines in the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic ocean. He returned to Jacksonville where he met wife Michelle, married and had one daughter. His service ended in March of 1969. He then worked as a Civil Service employee at Tinker Air Force base in Midwest City, OK. He received a certificate of training in T.I.G. welding on July 25, 1969. He was promoted to an aircraft electrician. While at Tinker Air Force base, he met and married Karen Gray who had two children, Charles David Gray and Lary Don Gray. Karen and Emmett spent many years with David and Lary camping, fishing, playing sports, boy scouting and hunting. In 1994, Karen and Emmett moved to Stidham to be closer to family. After his wife died in 1996, he met and married Carol (Woods) Cox. They were together until Emmett passed away. Emmett knew "something about everything." He had a big heart, loved hunting, fishing, had a quick wit and terrific sense of humor. He would help anyone who needed it. He loved working with his hands, especially woodworking. He was not afraid to try anything new. He dearly loved family and enjoyed camping. He was a Corps of Engineer volunteer for several years at Brooken Cove. He spent time "teasing" anyone that he met, the grandchildren never knew what to expect from him. He also loved his motorcycles and participated in numerous state and national rallies. One of his favorite was the 5 State Run, five states in one day. Camping with family and friends was his all-time favorite. Emmett is survived by his wife; Carol Gillespie of the home, David Gray and wife Sheila of Tecumseh, OK, Lary Gray and wife Jennifer of Norman, OK, Shannon Gilstrap of Florida, daughter-in-law Julia Costello and husband John of Plano, TX, brother-in-law Jim Gideon of Stidham, sister; Mary Helen Marsh of Checotah, aunt; Sharon Russell and Robert Oak Russell of Huntington Beach, CA, niece, Jackie Clinkenbeard of Checotah and Liz Gideon of Florida, nephew Bryan Sherman and wife Christina of Stidham. He had numerous grandchildren including JC Pino of Indiana, Shawn Pino of New Mexico, Ashley, Stephanie and Karen Gray of Tecumseh, Taylor, Elijah and Laryssa of Norman, Lauren and Ian Costello of Texas. He was proud of his great-grandchildren and many extended family member and close friends who were like family. He is preceded in death by his wife Karen Gillespie, sister; Sally Lora Gideon, parents; Emmett and Ruby Gillespie and niece Jamie Rae Gideon.