James Earlie Speer

Published 10:13 am Friday, September 21, 2018

Mr. James Earlie Speer, 83, of US 64 W., Mocksville, died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018 at his home.

He was born May 3, 1935, in Yadkin County to the late Earlie Gray and Lollie Hunt Speer. Mr. Speer was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and participated in Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Mocksville. Mr. Speer was retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and was a farmer.

He was also preceded in death by: his wife, Rosaline Steelman Speer; and a sister, Lucy Speer.

Survivors: 3 children, James Speer (Jane) of Youngsville, Joel Speer (Tina) of Faith and Melinda Parrish (Tim) of Waynesville; 5 grandchildren, Tyler Speer, Kaitlyn Speer, Ryan Speer, Brandon Speer and Sophie Parrish; siblings, Bonnie Speer of Oregon, Roldan Speer (Elaine) of Statesville, Wayne Speer (Sandra) of California and Delphia Naylor (Gary) of Mocksville; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22 at Eaton Funeral Chapel with the Rev. A. Shane Nixon officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Memorials: Meals On Wheels, c/o Davie Senior Services, 278 Meroney St., Mocksville; or First Baptist Building Fund, 412 N. Main St., Mocksville.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.