Hall of Fame
The Fayetteville, NC native attended E.E. Smith High School and was a three sport starter on the football, basketball, and track teams. Gillespie was an All-State Football Team  Captain in high school as well.
 Entering Fayetteville State University in 1962, Gillespie was gifted in various sports (football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and bowling) but football was his passion.
 While at Fayetteville State he was an ALL-CIAA Safety in football. Using his natural skills, instincts, and knowledge of football, he was a force on the field at 6'2 and 225 lbs.
 Unfortunately, Mr. Gillespie passed away in March of this year.
In a tribute to Gillespie written by Roy McNeil Jr, he was described as a "natural born athlete." McNeil remembers "..watching Joseph play and watching the crowd quiver as Joseph put the pads on potential receivers."
Comments under his tribute were full of love and respect for Gillespie in his memory.
"Probably my first sports hero as I grew up on Murchison Road", said Patrick Smith.
After graduating from Fayetteville State University, Gillespie had a teaching career that spanned over 40 years. He also supported and had a positive impact on inner-city youth through the Boys and Girls club of Washington, DC. According to the United Black Fund Inc. President, Barry LeNoir, Gillespie was a community champion.
"...Joe Gillespie was a leader…the best kind ... one who led by his outstanding example. He made Columbia Heights Youth Club a place where young people would grow and grow and grow", said LeNoir.
Gillespie was also a member of the Epsilon Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc on the campus of Fayetteville State University.
