[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 101 (Thursday, June 12, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2658-H2659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DON GILLESPIE

  (Mr. Norman of South Carolina was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate a special day 
for a very special person. On Sunday, June 1, at Westminster 
Presbyterian Church located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Senior Pastor 
Mike Honeycutt called to the pulpit Mr. Don Gillespie.
  Don has been an outstanding public servant and a devoted leader in 
both law enforcement and pastoral care. A man of deep conviction and 
humble service, Don has dedicated his life to protecting communities, 
building others up through coaching and ministry, and living out his 
faith.
  Don was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, by loving 
Christian parents. He grew up attending First Presbyterian Church and 
has been a devoted member of Westminster Presbyterian Church since 
1992.
  From an early age, Don demonstrated a passion for sports, especially 
baseball and football. This passion carried him through his years at 
Newberry College, where he attended on a baseball scholarship and 
lettered all 4 years. During his sophomore year at college, Don was 
shared the Gospel by a close friend and accepted Jesus Christ as his 
Lord and Savior.

[[Page H2659]]

  After graduating in 1975 with a degree in history, Don initially 
planned to teach and coach high school students. Instead, he embarked 
on a remarkable career in law enforcement when he joined the York 
County Sheriff's Department, becoming the agency's first narcotics 
officer.
  Over the course of more than two decades, Don rose through the ranks 
to become chief deputy and played a pivotal role in establishing the 
narcotics division in 1979 and the special weapons tactical team in 
1989, where he served as commander.
  Throughout his career, Don continued to pursue professional 
excellence, graduating from the Southern Police Institute at the 
University of Louisville in 1981 and the National Academy in Quantico 
in 1991.
  In 1997, following his retirement from law enforcement, Don became 
the corporate security director at Bowater Pulp and Paper Company, 
where he served until 2013.
  Even while managing these demanding roles, Don remained a dedicated 
coach and mentor, volunteering as a Dixie youth baseball coach for over 
24 years, and leading a high school travel baseball team for a decade. 
Don has consistently shown a commitment to all the people around him.
  In 2014, Don was asked by his pastor to serve as director of pastoral 
care at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Under his leadership, the 
ministry has expanded significantly to include programs such as the 
Stephen Ministry, Grief Share, and a comprehensive pastoral care team. 
These initiatives, staffed by volunteers trained and equipped by Don, 
have provided critical support to countless individuals, both inside 
and beyond the Westminster congregation. His ministry reflects his 
heart for service and his love for others.
  Don's impact on those around him has been profound. He has given a 
lifetime of service to his community, his church, and his family. He 
and his wife, Jan, who retired from the 16th Circuit Solicitor's 
Office, have raised five sons and are the proud grandparents of ten.
  I offer my sincere gratitude to Don for his steadfast leadership and 
dedicated service. He is a man who truly embodies the creed: ``To live 
is to serve.'' Winston Churchill once said that there will be a time 
when doing your best isn't good enough. You have got to do what is 
required.
  Don has done what is required to serve his family, his community, and 
his God.
  Mr. Speaker, the only time that I have seen anyone receive a standing 
ovation in church for his service, it was this man.

                          ____________________