Terry Lynn Gillispie

Terry Lynn Gillispie, 68, of Wilmore, KY, passed away peacefully at UK Hospital surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all.

        Terry was born in Cynthiana, KY, on May 8th, 1957. He was the youngest of three brothers born to Selah Pickett. Terry’s two great loves in life were his family and his cars. He began working as an auto mechanic at only 16 years of age and soon found his passion in drag racing, a love that he passed on to his children. Though his children often teased him for being a “professional tire-kicker,” Terry owned many of his dream vehicles over the years from drag cars to street-rods and sports cars to classic cars. Terry’s love for cars was only surpassed by his love for his family. He was the proud father of three children and was overjoyed to welcome his first grandson in 2020 and his first granddaughter in 2025. His grandchildren meant everything to him, and he spent every spare moment visiting and playing with them.

        Many perceived Terry to be a quiet man, but if you were lucky enough to be a part of his inner circle, he had plenty of wisdom and stories to share. To his coworkers, he was hard-working, reliable, and a pleasure to be around. To his church family, he was a faithful believer. To his friends, he was loyal, trustworthy, and kind. To his family, he was all of this and more: the most loving, selfless, and devoted brother, father, and grandfather imaginable.

        Terry was preceded in death by his mother, Selah Pickett, and the love of his life and mother of his children, Cheryl Gillispie. He is survived by his brothers, Larry “Joe” Eads (Maureen) of Lexington, KY and Virgil “Tommy” Gillispie of Somerset, KY; his son, David Gillispie (Ashley), of Lexington, KY; his daughter, April Gillispie, of Wilmore, KY; his daughter, Deanna Donofrio (Alex), of Calabash, NC; and his grandchildren, Elio Donofrio (5 years) and Clara Gillispie (8 months).

        A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at the Fellowship Hall at Lighthouse Baptist Church, located at 105 Shun Pike in Nicholasville, KY, on Saturday February 28th. The service will begin at 11:00 AM and be followed by a reception until 3:00 PM Close friends and family are invited to attend this private ceremony to honor his memory.