Mr. Don Gillespie

Don Chance Gillespie, 83, of Metter, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.

Mr. Gillespie was born on August 25, 1936 to Mr. Donald and Mrs. Gladys Coleman Gillespie in Candler County and grew up in Metter. He joined the Army in 1960 and received the Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin), Marksman (Rifle M-14) and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Don studied piano at the University of Georgia where he obtained his Master of Musicology.  He continued his studies at UNC Chapel Hill where he earned his Doctorate of Musicology.  Completing his dissertation on experimental music of the 1920s and ‘30s led him to move to New York City so he could access materials in the New York Public Library.  While in New York, he joined the C.F. Peters Corporation where he served as Vice President and Director of the Board with a career that spanned 31 years.  During that time, he established an outstanding reputation among friends and colleagues for the breadth of his knowledge, his editorial and musical skill, and his openness to new ideas in contemporary music.  During his career, Don was co-editor of the John Cage Reader, in-house editor for Democratic Souvenirs, and author of the biography The Search for Thomas F. Ward: Teacher of Frederick Delius.  He also co-produced a complete video realization of John Cage’s “49 Waltzes for the Five Boroughs.”

Don returned to his hometown of Metter in 2014.  He was of the Methodist faith. In his spare time, he enjoyed nature and continuing to explore his love of music.

He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by an aunt, Dot Coleman, of Jesup, GA, as well as many friends and relatives.

Mr. Gillespie’s wishes were that no formal services be held. A private burial will be held by his family at a later date.

Kennedy-Brannen Funeral Homes, Metter Chapel is in charge of arrangements.