Michael Leslie Speede

Our beloved Dad, Brother, Nephew, Grandfather, “Uncle Mike” Michael Leslie Speede transitioned on or around June 29th, 2018 when our Creator beckoned him to return home. Mike was the third eldest of the eight children that God blessed Gertrude Jaunita and St. Clair Emerson Speede with. He was 73 years old. Mike had a great sense of humor from childhood on and no one enjoyed a good laugh more than he did. He was also known to be charismatic, highly intelligent, friendly, ethical, charitable, compassionate, empathetic, and spiritual. Mike has a kind heart and a generous soul.

Mike married Julie Tolbert. This union was blessed with two sons (Polan/Mike and Jason) and together they raised them to be two fine men. Mike was a great Dad and he chose to continue a military tradition that was established decades ago by his father St. Clair E. Speede, WWII Veteran. Mike enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country from September 9, 1965 until August 31, 1989. He completed a total of sixteen tours during his career serving on the USS Forrest Sherman, USS O’Hare, USS L.Y. Spear, USS Peterson, USS Emory S. Land and USS Yellowstone. He retired from the US Navy as Petty Officer 1st Class (E-6). Mike further served in Special Operations for our country.

Michael is preceded in his transition by his parents St. Clair Emerson Speede and Gertrude Juanita Speede. Michael is survived by two sons Polan Mike Speede (Tammy Speede) and Jason Everett Speede (Bianka G. Speede); two aunts Daisy M. King and Delores L. Casey; two brothers + one Haji Luqman, Haji Jamal, and Robert Lozada; five sisters Llona W. Speede, Jane F. Speede-Cox, Daina M. Taylor, Gertrude C. Speede-Deen, Althea C. Speede-Jones; five grandchildren Christian Speede, Michelle A. Speede, Rquelle V. Speede, Benjamin A. Speede, Arcadia C. Speede; a wealth of Nieces, Neohews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews. Mike is also fondly remembered in the Goldsboro community where he lived and was known as “Uncle Mike”, blessing the lives in many by his kind words and “quiet” good deeds.

Michael was a good son who loved, honored and cared for his mother in every way. He honored his father as well. He was a good Dad who was very proud of his sons., Mike and Jason Speede. He loved them dearly. He established solid values and morals in them and set good examples for them to follow. Mike was a good brother who cared for his siblings, showed up for them, respected and loved them. He was a good uncle who loved and encouraged his nieces (NiChole Akoshis, Ama, Leelah, Nina, Lynn, Donna, Sauda) and nephews (John, Kofi, Kwasi, Scott,Rodney, Tony, Gregory, Brandon, Saeed, Keilon, Umique, Ahamad, Jamal). He was a strong father figure to his NiChole M. Speede and a mentor to his nephews John P. Woodley, Keilon Boyd and others.

Michael was a good man who stood for right, did his best to do right and to live right before God and man. Mike “Uncle Mike” is greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Thanking God always for the gift of his life.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7

I dreamt of you tonight

You were tired but rested and your smile gave me comfort

We spoke no words but we knew the love was true. I saw me in your eyes and I was very proud. I was at peace

I remembered you, all was and all is well

Take pride in knowing that you did your job well and I am blessed to have been in your care and under your watch for the years that our Lord allowed 

i hope this note finds you at peace and that your restless spirit is tame and under your control

The Lord has kept me safe, yet flawed and humbled

I miss you and I love you. 

Your Son, 

Jason

06/29/2018

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