James Carroll Speer
James Carroll Speer, 77, of Breckenridge, Texas, passed from this life on February 20, 2020, at his home surrounded by those he loved. Funeral services will be at Gunsight Baptist Church, Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 11 a.m. The family will welcome friends, Friday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Gunsight Baptist Church Chapel.
James was born to Carroll and Loyce Speer at their home in Breckenridge, Texas, where he grew up and attended high school. He worked in the oil and gas industry as a plant operator for most of his career. He married Mary Angela Corbett in Breckenridge on June 1, 1968. They moved to Eunice, New Mexico, then to Princeton, Texas, before settling back in Breckenridge.
James had a deep love for his family – from his immediate and extended family to those he adopted and claimed as his own. His favorite times were spent surrounded by those he loved, playing games and sharing good food, laughing and telling stories (sometimes telling the same story multiple times if it got a good laugh). He was a faithful Christian, a hard worker, a fierce protector, and a good provider with a giving spirit who never met a stranger. When he loved, he loved with his whole heart.
James loved being “Pop.” His children, grandchildren, and great-grandson were his pride and joy. He would tell anyone who would sit still long enough of everything they had been doing to the tiniest details and could tell stories of their growing up years for hours. No one walked away from those conversations without knowing how proud he was of them as it was evident in his face and words as he talked.
As strong as James’s love was for all of his family, it was his wife, Angela (his Mary) who was the light of his life for 51 beautiful years. He never wanted her far from his side. He took great joy in “spoiling” her and loved nothing more than to see her smile. Theirs was a true love that survived the test of time and saw them through the hard times and the times of joy.
James was preceded in death by his father, Carroll Clyde Speer; his mother, Loyce Lavelle Pendelton Speer; son-in-law, Christopher Whitehead; and multiple uncles and aunts.
He is survived by his wife, Angela Speer of Breckenridge, Texas; son, Shane Speer and wife Samantha of Melissa, Texas; daughter, Davlyn Whitehead of Breckenridge, Texas; grandson, Culton and wife Gena of Eastland, Texas; granddaughter, Jessica and husband Geoffrey and their son, Reid of Blue Ridge, Texas; and grandson, Jacob, and granddaughter, Caroline, both of Melissa, Texas; aunt, Wanda Jo Sydow of Waco; brother, Roy Tom Speer and his wife Eileen of Breckenridge, Texas; and brother, Mac Speer of Breckenridge, Texas; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and his furbabies.
Memorials can be made in James’ name to the local Meals on Wheels, and left at the funeral home office. Condolences can be left at www.meltonkitchens.com.
