Pastor James Edward Speed

Our beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Pastor and Friend, Reverend James Edward Speed, made his transition into his heavenly home on December 14, 2016. He was born February 23, 1947, in Perry County, Alabama. He was employed by General Motors Grey Iron for over 25 years. He joined the Greater Freewill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor James L. Dorsey, where he later succeeded him as Pastor. On August 21, 2016, he celebrated 16 years of shepherding the flock of God. He served under Pastor Dorsey as a Deacon, Usher and Sunday School Teacher. As Pastor, he taught Bible Study, visited the sick and shut-in and was very active in the lives of his church family. He was the past President of Congress of Christian Education and Advisor to the local ministers of Saginaw Valley District Association. He touched the lives of many and will truly be missed. Pastor Speed was a kind and gentle servant of God and he served faithfully until illness prevented. He truly loved his family, church and friends and was involved in many church and civic organizations. He was a die-hard Alabama “Roll Tide” fan. He leaves to cherish, his wife, Bertha Speed of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two daughters, Shirley Skipper-Scott of Carolina, Puerto Rico and Sheila Skipper of Wetumpka, Alabama; two sons, Leward Madlock of Saginaw Michigan and James E. Holloway of Memphis, Tennessee; one nephew, Thomas Louis Speed of Saginaw, Michigan; two granddaughters, Tierra Madlock and Monica Madlock both of Saginaw, Michigan; one grandson, Justin Skipper of Wetumpka, Alabama, and a host of cousins and many dear friends, including the Greater Freewill Missionary Baptist Church Family. Pastor Speed was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Speed Sr., mother, Edmonia Speed, his brother, Wallace Speed Jr., and his sister, Hattie Carlisle. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Wolverine State Baptist Headquarters, 615 S. Jefferson Ave. Pastor Roy L. Manning. will officiate. Interment will take place in Newberry, Alabama. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave. on Wednesday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Pastor James Edward Speed

February 23, 1947 - December 14, 2016