Senate Resolution 42

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING JUDICIAL CAREER AND MILITARY SERVICE OF HONORABLE NORMAN L. GILLESPIE OF OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING THE SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO HIS SURVIVING FAMILY ON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, we join the judicial community of the State of Mississippi in mourning the passing of Honorable Norman L. Gillespie who passed away on August 29, 2021, in Oxford, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Norman L. Gillespie was born in Bruce, Mississippi, on August 10, 1934. He was the youngest child of A.L. Gillespie and Lora Overby Gillespie. Norman graduated from New Albany High School in 1952. After high school, Norman attended and graduated from the University of Mississippi in May of 1956, earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree; and

WHEREAS, he was then commissioned in the Military Intelligence Corps as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant during the same month. Norman served in the Counter Intelligence Corps in Europe from April of 1957 until September of 1958. He was discharged from the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, Norman next attended law school at the University of Mississippi from 1958-1961 and received his J.D. Degree in May of 1961. While in law school, Norman served as President of his class during his third year; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, he practiced law in New Albany, Mississippi, from June of 1961 until November of 1968. Norman served as County Prosecuting Attorney of Union County, Mississippi, from 1964 until 1968; and

WHEREAS, in November of 1968, Norman began serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi. He held that position until January of 1974; and

WHEREAS, in 1974, he was appointed as the U.S. District Court Clerk for the Northern District of Mississippi. He held that position until 1998; and

WHEREAS, from 1980-1996, Norman also served as a part-time U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. In 1998, Norman retired from the Federal Court and ran for Chancery Judge; and

WHEREAS, he served as Chancellor for the 18th Judicial District, State of Mississippi from 1999-2003; and

WHEREAS, Norman continued to serve for some period of time as a Special Chancellor, appointed by the Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, Norman was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford, Mississippi, for decades. He served for many years as a Deacon and greatly enjoyed his church family. Of all of his accomplishments, Norman was most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Johnnie Vance Gillespie of Oxford, Mississippi; sons, Van Gillespie (Angie) and John Gillespie (Alicia); grandchildren, Mary Beth, Emma Cate, Dylan, Madison and Trae; and

WHEREAS, in honor of Mr. Gillespie's service to our country, the flag of the United States Army was flown at Waller Funeral Home; and

WHEREAS, Norman Gillespie served as a leader and mentor and consistently lectured on the professional standards of the practice, including ethics, integrity, civility, courtesy and adherence to the Golden Rule. His life honored both The Mississippi Bar and this Great State that he loved and served: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the outstanding judicial career and military service of Honorable Norman L. Gillespie of Oxford, Mississippi, and extend the sympathy of the Mississippi Senate to his surviving family on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Honorable Norman L. Gillespie, forwarded to The Mississippi Bar and the Mississippi Supreme Court, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.