Bernard A. Speer

Bernard Speer was born February 13, 1917 and spent his childhood on the family farm of his parents, Norman and Mabel Speer in Oakton, Virginia. The family descended from William P. and Martha Mary Speer who moved from New York State to Flint Hill (now Oakton), Virginia before the Civil War. With them came Rachel Speer, born in 1786. The Speer family donated land on the corner of Blake Lane and Route 123 for the first school and the Methodist Episcopal Church which was on Route 123. Bernard graduated from Oakton High School June 2, 1933 where he was a star player on the 1931 State Championship Basketball Team. Bernard continued his education at the Strayer College of Accountancy and received his Bachelor of Commercial Science July 1937 in Washington, DC. After his graduation he began his business career in Arlington with the Virginia State Milk Commission in the Auditing Division. Bernard met the "Love of his Life" and married Mary Harriet Hollins of Vienna, Virginia - "his Mickey" - August 23, 1941. They celebrated 61 years of marriage together until her passing in July 2003. He was called to serve his country in 1943 in the United States Army until he was discharged in 1946. Bernard then returned to his position with the Milk Commission. After leaving the Milk Commission, he took a position as Sales Manager with Alexandria Dairy, now known as Shenandoah's Prides Dairy. His job functions were supervising Ice Cream Mix Accounts, which included Carl's Frozen Custard in Fredericksburg and Gifford's Ice Cream Parlor in Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia. He retired from Shenandoah’s Pride Dairy in 1982 with over 35 years of service. His greatest love in life was his dear wife, Mickey, and his family. They began their life together in Arlington and had homes in Falls Church and Annandale before finally settling in their beloved home in 1955 where he remained until May 2015. Bernard and his wife were founding members of Springfield United Methodist Church, Springfield, Virginia. They were active in sports and school activities of their four children, Susan (Speer) Hughes, Brian Speer, Lindsey Speer and Gretchen (Speer) Anderson. After his retirement he used his carpentry, masonry and woodworking skills at the home he shared with Mickey. He was always working on a home improvement project that he shared with his dear wife “Mickey”. He was an active member of Music for Life at Springfield Mall Jordan Kitts and earned certificates completing many levels of instruction. His music could be heard many evenings as he played at his keyboard organ in their family room. Bernard enjoyed his yardwork in "Mickey's" flower gardens, eating out and especially the many family gatherings held at their home in Springfield. In his last six months he was lovingly cared for by his dear friends at The Crossing of Falls Run in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In his last week he was cared for by his children and Hospice of Mary Washington Hospital. His greatest source of pride were his four children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He has now joined his dear wife Mickey and our Dear Heavenly Father. Children: • Susan (Speer) & James Hughes - Vienna, VA • Lindsey Speer - Florence, SC • Gretchen(Speer) & Albert Anderson - Fredericksburg, VA • Grandchildren: • Kimberly Anderson -Richmond, VA • Brian & Kelly Anderson - Mt Pleasant, SC • Great Grandchildren - Annabelle Claire Anderson - Mt Pleasant, SC • Brian and Connie Speer Morrisville, NC • Grandchildren: • Kelly(Speer) & Bill Marchese - Durham, NC • Great Grandchildren - Gabriella Elizabeth Marchese - Durham, NC • Grandchildren: • Kirk & Natalia Speer - Orlando, FL • Great Grandchildren: • Ethan Matthew Speer - Orlando, FL • Megan Natalie Speer - Orlando, FL Predeceased by: • Wife of 61 years Mary Hollins Speer • Sister Thelma Speer Robinson of St Augustine, FL • Survived by nieces and nephews John 14: 1-4 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.