Christopher "Chris" Ray Gillespey

Christopher "Chris" Ray Gillespey, the man who lived life with the enthusiasm of a kid who just heard the ice cream truck, departed from us on March 12, 2026, in Killeen, Texas.

Services will be held on Saturday March 21 at 2:00P.M. at Crotty Funeral Home in Belton with H.K. Ballard officiating,

Visitation will be held on Saturday March 21st from 12:00 until 2:00P.M. at Crotty Funeral Home of Belton.

Born on December 19, 1988, in Temple, Texas, Chris turned every day into an adventure worthy of a feature-length comedy. Chris was a man with many hats, not just literally but professionally as well. He was Temple's very own modern-day Renaissance man – a skilled fence designer, cabinet artist, outdoor kitchen innovator, and a lawn care professional who could make grass green with envy. His passion for learning new trades was as contagious as his laughter. If creativity was a sport, Chris would've been the undoubted MVP.

Growing up in a family that could rival the cast of a sitcom, Chris was the beloved son of Joseph Gillespey and the dynamic duo of Joann and Tim Henager. He was the protective yet playful brother to Kristi Rogers and her husband William, David Gillespey and his wife Samantha Gillespey, Logan Henager and his wife Emily, Braelyn Gillespey, Blaze Roberts, Blaine Roberts, JoAnna Mensch and her husband TJ, Chris Henager and his wife Jennifer, and Zach Henager and his wife Marketa. Chris's love for his kids, Isabella Harris, and Haley Faine Gillespey, was as vast as the Texas sky. He also leaves behind his loving partner Sunni and son Silas as well as many nieces and nephews who he adored. His grandmother Kathy McNeil, who survives him, always said Chris was her favorite comedian, though she'd deny it if you asked. He now joins his dearly departed grandparents Sadie Smith, Larry G. Haire Sr., Tom McNiel, Inez Henager and Ben Henager for what we imagine to be the most heavenly family reunion.

A proud product of Belton High School, Chris could turn any conversation into a lesson on how to make life more enjoyable. His devout Christian faith was sprinkled with good humor, and he often joked that even Jesus needed a good laugh after a long day of miracles. An outdoor enthusiast, Chris found solace in the whispers of the wind through the trees and the tranquility of a well-cast fishing line. Camping trips with him were less about 'roughing it' and more about 'laughing it' up by the fire. His love for the Dallas Cowboys was as deep-rooted as his Texan heritage, and he was always ready to defend their honor, armed with a witty retort for any naysayers.

The words "loving," "kind," and "generous" were invented just to describe Chris, or so he'd have you believe. His penchant for Texas Scratch off games was matched only by his love for music, which he claimed was the soundtrack to his life's blooper reel. As Chris would say, quoting the legendary comedian Robin Williams, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." And true to form, Chris embraced his spark until the very end. His legacy is one of laughter, love, and the kind of generosity that could make the world feel like a small town. Every life he touched was left a little brighter, every heart a little lighter. As we bid farewell to Chris, we do so with a chuckle and a smile, knowing he'd want us to remember the good times. After all, in the grand comedy club of life, Chris Gillespey was one hell of a headliner.

In Lieu of Flowers family requests donations be made toward funeral expenses. (tab is below)

Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery following services on Saturday March 21, 2026.

Crotty Funeral Home of Belton is in charge of arrangements.