Mr. Speights attended the public schools in Jacksonville, graduating from New Stanton Sr. High, Class of 1957. He furthered his education by attending Jones Business College and Florida Community College of Jacksonville, matriculating in the fields of business and welding certifications.
Mr. Speights enlisted in the United States Army; and after three dedicated years of service in Germany, he was discharged with a 100% service connected disability. After his discharge, he was employed with Napa Auto Parts where he retired after 35 years of service in counter sales.
Mr. Speights was a dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church for over sixty years. His present pastorate leadership is Bishop R. W. McKissick, Jr., and Bishop R. W. McKissick, Sr. Emeritus. Mr. Speights gave dedicated service in the following areas: Assistant Deacon Board, Deacon Board, Young Adult Choir, Male Chorus, Usher Board, Boy Scouts, and Tutorial Ministry. He was a member of Fla Jax Club, New Stanton Class of ‘57, 100 Black Men, and The Jacksonville Mules.
Henry is preceded in death by his father, mother, and sisters Bobbie Jean Speights and Jacqueline Turner Wright.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Wilhelmenia E. Speights; son, Henry L. Speights (Kishori Love, Fiancé); Daughters, Minister Robyne L. Speights Fluckers (Clarence Jr.), Sonya L. Speights; Grandchildren, Demyra Ravyne Payne, Michael F. Payne, Jr., Danyelle S. Payne, Christian A. Payne, Aja C. Payne, & Cameron L. Speights; Godmother, Mrs. Dorothy Sweet; Brothers, Eric Speights, James Speights, Anthony Turner, Perry Gray, & Terry Gray; Sister, Monet Speights; Cousins, Sharon Speights Sellers (CSM Henry), Neil Frink (Joyce), Brian Speights, Earl Clark (Ella) and the entire Speights, Clark, King, Putman, Wright, and McKissick families; Godchildren, Jasmine Jenkins, Marquis Fowler (Cicely), Alicia Ricks (Tavares), and Josh J. Linder (Ashley) and the entire Jenkins, Linder, Stafford, McCoy, and Davis families; and dearest friends, Julius and Mae Fowler.
A Celebration of Henry's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 14th in Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street, Jacksonville FL with Bishop R.W. McKissick, Jr. Pastor and Bishop R.W. McKissick, Sr. Emeritus Pastor as Officiants.
The Committal Service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 27th at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL in Lane 3.
Memorial contributions preferred to The Parkinson’s Foundation, https://parkinson.org/ways-to-give, or to UNICEF K.I.N.D., https://donate.unicefusa.org/page/contribute/be-k-i-n-d-to-a-student-in-malawi-donate-a-desk-or-scholarship-16081.
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