Raymond “Ray” Gillespie passed peacefully from this life on Sunday, June 14, 2026, after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded by his brothers and sisters. Raymond was the third child of the late Herman Gillespie Sr. and Lizzie Joyce Gillespie. He was born in Washington, D.C., on November 7, 1964. As a military child, he traveled with his family until they eventually made Colorado their home.

Although he was the third of five siblings, Raymond was never considered the “middle child.” To his mother and grandmother, he was always the baby. Raymond loved being outdoors. You could always find him riding his bike or working in the garden with his grandmother. His favorite things to grow were tomatoes and cucumbers, and he proudly planted a peach tree and tall sunflowers. He became known as the neighborhood lawn man — if you wanted a beautiful yard, Raymond was the person to call.

He attended public schools, and during his time at East High School he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the ROTC program. Many people may not know this, but Raymond was naturally shy and preferred to keep to himself. Even so, he shared a close bond with his best friend, belated Rodney “Decka” Carter, and a special lady friend known as “Sister.”

Even as his health began to decline, he never complained. He always wanted to do things his own way. This is why his siblings often said he was like a cat with nine lives — and nine more on top of that. One of his most memorable lines was, “You not mad at me,” which always meant he was about to ask for something.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his two brothers, Herman Gillespie Jr. and Anthony Gillespie; his two sisters, Velma Gillespie and Patricia Gillespie; his favorite uncle, Mark Guss; and a host of cousins, nephews, and friends.