On August 27, 2025, James Merlin Speed left this world to join his Heavenly Father. Merlin was born November 2, 1936, to Barney and Grace Speed in Brownfield, Texas, where he grew up and attended school. He married Janie Dickson on September 9, 1955.
Merlin farmed in the Gomez community for over 40 years. Merlin and Janie moved to Kingsland in the Hill County of Texas in 1986, where they enjoyed hosting many family members and friends. Merlin commuted to Brownfield while continuing to farm for another 13 years and later retired in 2000. In 2008, they returned to West Texas, moving to Lubbock to be near family. Merlin and Janie enjoyed traveling and RVing. His greatest joys were his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Bacon Heights Baptist Church.
Merlin is survived by his wife, Janie, and their four children. His three sons are Randy (Pamela) of Maryville, Tennessee; Mark (Cathy) of Prosper, Texas; and Mike (Kema) of Wolfforth, Texas; and his daughter is Karla (Jerry) Joplin of Lubbock. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Travis Speed of Tennessee; Sarah (Sean) Miller of Lubbock; Katie (John) Darden of Lubbock; Dusty (Alexandra) Joplin of Lubbock; Kinsey (Thomas) Mahan of Decatur, Georgia; Cole Speed (Cansu) of Los Alamos, New Mexico; Caitlin Speed of Prosper, Texas and Ashley (Brandon) Speed of Maryville, Tennessee. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Speed is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Leon Speed, and grandson, Braden Speed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Merlin’s memory to Braden’s Voice at www.bradensvoice.org
