Alex Tharp Gillespie, Jr.

Alex Gillespie died on Sunday, December 11, 2011 in Bentonville, Arkansas. Alex was born on Christmas Eve, 1951 to Miriam Smith Gillespie and Alex Tharp Gillespie M.D. Alex was a 1970 graduate of Hall High School. He attended Westminster College and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1974. His brothers at Sigma Nu fraternity knew him as "Goose" Gillespie. He had a terrific sense of humor and would have been a great standup comedian. His nieces and nephews remember an Uncle that was always playing practical jokes. Alex could find a funny, irreverent card for any occasion. Our mother always pretended to be "horrified" at his hilarious, off color cards. Daily, we were reminded of his humor from his emailed jokes. Alex was a gentle giant who would give the shirt off his back to anyone. One of his last gestures was to pick names from the "Angel Tree" to insure that children would have a Christmas. Alex loved animals and his gifts at Christmas were donation cards (even to non-animal loving relatives) to the local animal shelter. Alex would adopt strays and train them to chase "rocks." Alex was many things, but most important was that he was a good father. He was devoted to his daughter, Brianna. Often it is a regret at life's end that "I wish I would have spent less time at the office." Not so with Alex, he was there and available for every event with Brianna. He adored his little girl and his life revolved around her. Alex was preceded in death by his mother, Miriam Ruth Gillespie, in 2007 and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Smith of Jonestown, Mississippi and Mr. and Mrs. Eck Gillespie of Stamford Texas. He is survived by his daughter, Brianna Ruth Gillespie of Bentonville, his father Dr. A.T. Gillespie and his wife Jane, his sister, Cathe Talpas of El Dorado and brother, Neil Gillespie of Little Rock. He is also survived by his nieces, Mimi Gavigan and Abby Considine of Little Rock, Mary Tharp Talpas of El Dorado and his nephew, Brother Nipper, of Fayetteville. Alex is also survived by his uncle, Lynn Gillespie of Abilene Texas and his aunt, Ruth Hays Smith of Clarksdale, Mississippi and his cousins, Robert, Patrick and Anne-Marie Gillespie of Abilene, Texas, Mimi Burke of Richmond Virginia and Susan Jordan of Albany, Georgia. Maddie and Emery Considine, Murphy and Jamie Gavigan will miss being "tickled" by their Great Uncle Alex. Alex is also survived by Rebecca Davidson, his special friend and the mother of his child. Alex lived a life of laughter and kindness and we will be forever blessed to have been loved by him. To honor Alex's life, please spend an extra moment with your child, tell a funny joke to brighten someone's day or ring the bell for the Salvation Army. A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 2 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock 72227. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.