William James Gillespie was born June 2, 1888 in East Garafaxa, Ontario to parents Andrew and Eva Gillespie. His occupation prior to joining the Canadian Expeditionary force on December 21, 1915 was as a tinsmith. He married Mary Gillespie sometime before joining the 46th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
He was transferred to the 28th Battalion, and was killed in action on June 6, 1916. His brother Reuben George Gillespie, also of the 28th Battalion, also died that day. The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Ypres, Belgium bears both of their names.
