Samuel Gregory Speed

Samuel Gregory Speed was born May 10, 1949, to Samuel Irving and Delma Mickens Speed in Cleveland, Ohio.  Delma later married James L. McMickle.  At an early age Sam accepted Christ at St. James AME Church and rededicated his life at Bethany Baptist Church.

     He attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Glenville High School in June 1967, where he ran and lettered in track.  He received an Associate Business Degree from Cuyahoga Community College.  Sam served in the Army Reserves from 1969 to 1975. 

     Sam started his career as a Bookkeeping Clerk/Check Sorter at Society National Bank, which became Key Bank, for over twenty-five years.  He also worked with his parents at their farm, the Bee Zee Cleaners and Delma McMickle Income Tax Service.  Later, he owned and operated the businesses.

     In 1970, Sam married Carolyn E. White and to that union were born two children.  Erinn Camille and Michael Anthony.  Sam loved and nurtured his family.  He was a kind and jovial person with a gentle word to everyone and a tender smile.  He did not hesitate to help others.  Sam was a gardener, liked westerns and karate movies and enjoyed listening to music.

     In 1998, Sam suffered a debilitating illness.  However, God’s Grace and Mercy sustained him through it all!  Through these years, the faithfulness of Pastor Stephen Rowan, Bethany Baptist Church, family and friends honored and pleased God.  To God Be The Glory!

     Sam leaves to cherish his loving memories: wife, Carolyn Evangelia; daughter, Erinn Camille Speed; sons, Michael Anthony Speed of Milwaukee, WI; Kelvin Long; brother-in-law, Reverend Carl E. White (Arleen) of Tallahassee, FL; uncle, Eugene Mickens; grandchildren, Erinn Evangelia Robinson, Kylan Long; nephews, Aaron White (Kristin Brown) of Racine, WI; Eric White; niece, Shamera Dansby-White of Tallahassee, FL; great niece, Kendall White; great nephews, Kassius White, Kane White and a host of family members and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel Gregory Speed, please visit our floral store.