Rufus Elisha Gillespie

Rufus Elisha Gillespie, age 63, of Bradley Avenue, Morehead, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2020, at St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead after a courageous battle with many illnesses over the past several years.

He was born April 12, 1957, in Iaeger, West Virginia, to the late Marion Rufus Gillespie, Jr. and Dolly Mae Rose Gillespie.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Gillespie, earlier this year, and his beloved nephew, Joshua Wycuff.

He is survived by his loving companion for the past 15 years, Vicki Workman.  Rufus and Vicki had many great years together, but over the past several years she devoted her life to caring for him during his many illnesses. 

He is also survived by his three daughters:  Angela Gillespie, Jennifer Gillespie and Michelle Gillespie-Smith (James).  Additionally, he is survived by Vicki’s daughter, Darya Thompson, whom he considered one of his daughters.  He is survived by seven grandchildren:  Courtney, Caryssa, Nicholas, Jalin, Kamarion, James III, and Selleck, as well as five great-grandchildren. 

Other survivors include his sister, Kathy Wycuff (Kevin), and nieces and nephews in the Columbus, Ohio, area, as well as Vicki’s family in Kentucky who loved Rufus deeply. 

Prior to relocating to Morehead, Rufus lived in Columbus, Ohio, where his family still resides.  Rufus loved Eastern Kentucky and enjoyed hunting and fishing in the area.  Rufus was a steelworker for many decades and traveled frequently for his employment.  Rufus loved his profession and took great pride in his work.  Toward the end of his career, he was a quality control manager and a part of multi-million dollar projects at the Port of Seattle and Port of New Orleans. 

Rufus was a quiet and reserved man--which was the opposite of his partner Vicki, whom he loved unconditionally.  He was quiet, devoted, loving, funny, and resilient.  Always pleasant, Rufus fought many illnesses and accordingly to physicians was close to death numerous times; however, he defied the odds multiple occasions.

Rufus enjoyed watching sports in general, loved Ohio State football, and was an avid horseracing fan.  He also enjoyed photography, animals in general--especially his Yorkie Riley, hunting, and fishing.  Most of all, Rufus enjoyed taking care of others and making others happy.  He was saved and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in 2016.  He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2020, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Rodney Profit officiating.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

COVID-19 restrictions will be observed. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rufus may be made to the Resident Auxiliary Fund, c/o Elliott Nursing and Rehabilitation, P. O. Box 694, Sandy Hook, KY 21171.

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