Alan Dale Gillaspie

May 17, 1971 - April 7, 2021

Alan Gillaspie passed from this life to the next at 1:17 am on April 7, 2021, after a valiant two year fight with cancer. The family rejoices for him to be heaven-bound, but deeply misses his high-spirited love and energy.

Alan was born May 17, 1971, in Dover, Ohio, to Larry and Barb (Crites) Gillaspie. On June 6, 1996, he married the love of his life, Rachel (Norris) Gillaspie, who resides in Pickerington. He is also survived by his sons, Caleb and Zach Gillaspie; a sister, Tina (Nick) Sugalski; parents in-law, Jeff and Denise Norris; a sister-in-law, Jill (Travis) Schimmoeller; a brother-in-law, Kevin (Sherri) Norris; nieces, Katelynn (Austin) Griffin, Karo Sugalski, and Ariah Norris; and nephews, Josh Sugalski, Ethan, Alex, and Wyatt Schimmoeller, and Logan Norris. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Dale and Emmabelle Gillaspie and maternal grandparents Don and Doris Crites.

He grew up going to the Dover Church of Christ and was a 1989 graduate of Dover High School where he served as the drum major for the marching band. He went on to receive his bachelor's degree in business and his master's degree in education.

Alan was a deacon at the Pickerington Church of Christ where he worked closely with the youth, did missionary work, served as a counselor at Fort Hill Christian Youth Camp, led singing, and taught Bible classes. He was blessed to be surrounded by a loving church family.

He was a teacher for Pickerington Local School District and is missed dearly by the Diley Middle School's staff and students. He led the school's Outdoor Education program for several years and brought about energy and fun to all both in and out of the classroom.

Being the son of a band and orchestra director, Alan always loved music. He enjoyed singing gospel songs and listening to all genres. Furthermore, he played in The Ohio State University Marching Band and dotted the "i" on more than one occasion.

Sports and competition were some of his additional passions. Alan was an avid fan of both football and baseball and would take part in virtually any athletic or competitive event! He was involved in all kinds of athletics growing up and continued to dabble in various forms throughout the years involving anything from a golf course to a softball field to a sandy volleyball court and everything in between. He also enjoyed his time as a football official for both high school and college. In addition, he would coach his boys in their different athletic adventures. He would also take on anyone in a game of cards or other fun game and was always about scorekeeping.

He had an overall love of adventure! Whether he was climbing a mountain, driving a boat, cruising on a motorcycle, riding a rollercoaster or jumping off a bridge to the water below; Alan was taking part with a huge smile!

Alan had a fierce love for the Lord and his family. He excelled as a husband, father, son, sibling, nephew, uncle, and grandson. He was a brother in Christ, fantastic friend, and fun-loving co-worker. Alan will be missed dearly.

A celebration of life open house will be on May 15, 2021 any time between 2 pm and 5 pm at the Pickerington Church of Christ (9645 Stoudertown Road Pickerington, Ohio 43147). All are welcome. The family requests masks to be worn whenever inside of the building and will also include room outdoors for gathering as well.

Alan was a member of the marching band from 1991 through 1994. He played Sousaphone.