Virgil "Tommy" Gillispie

Virgil Thomas "Tommy" Gillispie, 70, of Somerset, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026.

Tommy was born on October 31, 1955, in Owenton, KY to the late Virgil Gillispie and Selah Pickett Collins. He was a hardworking and devoted man who spent more than 20 years working as a mechanic at Cumberland Tire. Tommy took pride in his work and the people he worked alongside.

For 19 years, Tommy faced the challenges of renal failure with incredible strength and determination. He often said he treated dialysis like a job-something he simply had to do. While it was hard on his body, he found comfort and friendship in the caring staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center. The kindness and dedication they showed him meant so much to him and his family, and they will always be deeply grateful for the compassion they shared.

Anyone who knew Tommy knew about his love for hot rods-especially Fords and Mustangs. Though friends and family often teased him about being a "Ford fan," especially his brothers who proudly supported Chevy, Tommy always took the jokes with a smile and good humor.

Above everything else in life, Tommy's greatest pride and joy were his daughters, Melissa and Jenny. They were truly his world, and he never missed a chance to tell them how much he loved them.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughters, Melissa (Ben) Burton and Jenny (Jason) Sparks; his beloved grandchildren, Brandon Mayfield, Caitlin Mayfield, Jasmine Burton, and Kylee Sparks; and his very special "Lil Man," his great-grandson Jason "Baby Jay" Hall. He is also survived by his brother Larry "Joe" Eads; his lifelong best friend and brother in heart, Jr. Banks; his former wife and the mother of his children, Brenda Gillispie; and his loyal granddog, Roscoe, who held a special place in his heart.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Gillispie, who passed away on February 14, 2026.

Tommy found joy in life's simple blessings. He loved attending car shows, watching NASCAR races, cheering for UK basketball, and relaxing with classic television shows like Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith Show. He never turned down a good home-cooked meal, especially pork chops rolled in corn flakes.

His faith and church family were also very important to him. Tommy cherished attending church at Refuge Baptist Church and listening to Bro. Scotty Nix preach, and the fellowship he shared there brought him great comfort and happiness.

Tommy will be remembered for his strength, his love for family, his sense of humor, and the simple joy he found in life. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he leaves behind will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Tommy will be lovingly carried to his final resting place at Northside Memorial Gardens in Science Hill, KY by those who meant so much to him. Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Sparks, Ben Burton, Brandon Mayfield, Dave Colyer, Jeff Coots, and Devan Hall. It is a true honor for these men to carry Tommy one final time, a tribute to the love, respect, and lasting impact he had on their lives.

As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that Tommy's love, laughter, and spirit will live on in the stories we share, the memories we hold close, and in the hearts of the family he cherished so deeply. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of love will remain forever.❤️

A funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Pulaski Funeral Home at 4:00 PM with Bro. Scotty Nix officiating.

Burial Will Follow in Northside Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM on Monday, March 9, 2026 in the Chapel of Pulaski Funeral Home till time for services.

Family request expression of sympathy, forms of donations can be made to Pulaski Funeral Home in memory of Virgil Thomas "Tommy" Gillispie.