Richard Speer Obituary

Richard I. Speer SUMMERVILLE - Richard I. Speer, 94, of Summerville, widower of Ruby Lillian Speer, passed away Friday, June 19, 2015 at The Village at Summerville (Presbyterian Home). Services for Mr. Speer will be at a later date. Richard was born February 28, 1921 in Conrad, MT, son of the late Otto K. Speer and Ida Fluto Speer. He spent most of his childhood on a farm in Montana where his family grew wheat and barley and raised many farm animals. He loved to swim with his brothers in the reservoir on the farm. Richard enlisted in the Navy at the young age of 17 and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. He served during WWII aboard the USS Enterprise at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. A very fortunate young man, while the bombing of Pearl Harbor took place on December 7, 1941, the USS Enterprise was due in port, but due to a storm, the Aircraft Carrier was delayed. While in the Navy he served in several Naval Stations including San Diego, CA, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Barbers Point, Hawaii, Norman, OK, Alameda, CA, Guam, Jacksonville, FL, Memphis, TN, Anocosta, Washington, DC and Beeville, TX. After serving 20 years in the US Navy he retired and worked for Martin Marietta in Orlando, FL. He was then an instructor at the Federal Corrections Institute in Tallahassee, FL where he retired. Throughout his lifetime he owned and operated several paint and body shops. He also owned "The Lil Chef" Diner in Orlando FL on Orange Blossom Trail. He was a "Jack-of-all-Trades" and enjoyed many projects. He loved trips to the beach, swimming in the ocean, Florida State football and watching the Atlanta Braves. He was married to the love of his life, Ruby Lillian, for over 66 years. He enjoyed sitting in his favorite recliner with his loyal companions; two cats Gucci and Kissi and two Italian Greyhounds; Tessa and Lola. Most importantly he enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include two sons and one daughter: Richard "Rick" Allen Dehlinger (Laura) of California, Richard "Dick" Edward Speer (Kathy) of Tallahassee, FL and Betty Speer Spicer of Summerville, 10 grandchildren: Heather Dehlinger Pletting (John), Brandon Speer, Kristien Pagan (Miguel), Bret Spicer (Shannon), Erin Carlstrom (Brian), Stacey Smith (Drew), Lisa Holcombe (Daniel), step granddaughter: Bridget Royster (Ricky), 14 great grandchildren: Jace Speer, Annelise and Spicer Pagan, Lillian and Lila Ruby Holcombe, Andrew and Hayes Smith, Liam Speer, Kyle and Kaylee Webb, Caden, Cambria and Curren Carlstrom and step great-grandson: Cooper Royster; one sister: Jean Largent (Howard) of Simms, MT and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by one grandson: Ryan Dehlinger; five brothers: Don Speer, Dale Speer, Robert Speer, Kenneth Speer, Lloyd Speer and son-in-law CMDR. Allen Spicer, US Navy. Memorials may be made to: Frances R. Willis SPCA, 136 4 Paws Lane, Summerville, SC 29483 or Disabled Veterans Association, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 S. MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843) 873-4040. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston