Rev. Billy Cornell Speas

Rev. Billy Cornell Speas passed on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Novant Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He was born October 3, 1940, and lived in Tobaccoville, North Carolina most of his life. He was the son of the late Isaac Grady & Della Beatrice Jarrett Speas. Billy attended Carver High School, in Winston-Salem, NC. He was a retired employee of Taylor Brothers Tobacco Company, where he served as Supervisor for many years. Billy was married to the love of his life, the late Odessa Hauser Speas. God added to this union three sons: Cornell Tyrone ("Ron", deceased), Mark Twain and Keith O'Bryant Speas. He was lifelong member of Center Grove Church, where he attended and served until his health declined. For many years, he served as the Sunday School Superintendent, Director of Christian Education and other positions within the church. Billy was instrumental in the development of the Tobaccoville Recreation Center and served on the Tobaccoville Community Center Board. Rev. Billy answered the call to preach and was an ordained Elder in the AME Zion Church. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 63 years, Odessa, his son, Cornell Tyrone, two brothers, J.C. Jarrett and Norman Lee Speas. Billy leaves to cherish fond memories, his sons and daughters-in-law, Mark, Keith (LaWanda) and Robin Speas. His adoring grandchildren, Jametrice Nicole Speas, Jeremy Thorpe, Tatianna Jonte Speas, Janeah Ryann Hayes, Rashawn Terrell and Ryan Markell Speas. And his adorable great grandchildren, Londen Jhené, Kayden King, Kashton Kye Speas and Stephon Montrell McDowell, Jr. Four loving sisters cared deeply for Billy: Margaret Stimpson of Fayetteville, NC, Winnie Faye Speas of Tobaccoville, Carolyn Speas of Walkertown and Karatha LaVerne (Michael) Scott of Pfafftown. Three brothers lost a dear friend: Reverend William Speas of Tobaccoville, Allen (Adrienne) Speas of Winston-Salem & James Rober (Rachel) Speas of Kissimmee, Florida. Many wonderful memories are left with his in-laws including G. Dianne Hardin of Winston-Salem, Sis. Forrest (Rev. Emanuel) Bonaparte of Claremont and Syteria (Rev. William) Puryear of Charlotte. As well, Billy will be sorely missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special “thank-you” for all the love and care to the staff of the Northside Dialysis Center, Billy’s next-door neighbor, Curt Dobson; his sisters Faye and LaVerne; grandson Ryan (Pashara), Jennifer and sons, Mark and Keith. A public viewing will be held Friday January 3, 2025, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Saturday January 4, 2025, at 12pm from Center Grove AME Zion Church and interment will follow in church cemetery. The family will receive friends at 11:00 am. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.

Tributes

Rev. Billy Cornell Speas

October 3, 1940 - December 23, 2024