Biography of Phil Gillespie

Phil Gillespie was born on February 3, 1953 in Greenville, S.C. to Laura Virginia and Archie McQueen Gillespie.

Phil was born later in his parents’ life. So late, that when he was born, he was an uncle. He had one brother, Bobby Gillespie and three sisters, Violet White, Havelyn Spake and Nancy Lee.

As a young boy, he would never have to be told to cut the grass. Working was always fun. Phil was fascinated with the construction of Greenville’s downtown Daniel Building. He watched as each floor was constructed from his bedroom window. This lead to his future career in home building.

Mrs. Gillespie always had a project going on around the house. Phil soon became a willing partner. She would allow Phil to build a brick fence and even a brick profile for her fireplace in the living room.

Phil Gillespie attended Greenville High School and Graduated in 1971. He then attended Clemson University for 2 years majoring in business.

In 1974, Phil met the love of his life. Merri and Phil married just months later. They soon began their plan together. First, Phil and Merri built a home. Then Jason Gillespie was born in 1980 and Summer Gillespie in 1985. Their granddaughter Adrianne Gillespie is the latest of their blessings, born in 2012.

Career

Phil Gillespie started working for Southern Bell (now AT&T) in 1973 and worked there for 13 years. Most of his time there he worked outside as a cable splicer.

At year ten with Southern Bell, Phil acquired his S.C. home builders license and began building homes as well as working for Bell.

In 1996, Phil started Center Pointe Properties and began building upscale homes in the Greenville area.

Since becoming a licensed builder in 1983, Phil Gillespie has constructed over 100 homes.

Interesting Facts

• Phil was named after his great, great, great grandmother Betsey Philbin who rode the horse 96 miles to warn the Cherokee nation of impending war by the Indian natives. More information about the Seige of Ninety-Six here.
• Phil and teenage friends formed a band and cut a record.

Sports and Coaching

• Baseball, fastpitch softball, basketball and tennis.
• Coached son Jason from coaches’ pitch to 16 years old.

Grand Daughter Adrianne Gillespie

Phil became a grandparent in 2011 to Adrianne Gillespie. He is very active in her life. They enjoy walking, running, bicycles, sandbox and all kinds of ball. At age 4, Adrianne can almost drive a nail.

Phil Gillespie is still currently building and remodeling homes in the Greenville, South Carolina area. Over 30+ years in the home building industry.