Herbert Speece Obituary

Herbert Elvin Speece died on October 14, 2010 at Springmoor retirement Home. He was born on October 29, 1914 in Meadowlands, Minnesota. He met and married his wife Ruth in 1945 while serving in the US Army.
Herbert was preceded in death by his son Ray Elvin Speece and six brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Speece of Springmoor; a daughter, Deborah Sykes and her husband Steve of Raleigh; a brother, Ralph Speece of Mountain View, California; a daughter-in-law, Sherry Speece Royer of Galveston, Texas; a granddaughter, Michelle Narum; and great grandchildren Allie and Julian also of Texas.
Dr. Speece graduated from York College in 1938 with a degree in mathematics. He earned a Masters Degree from TCU in 1943 and a Masters of Engineering Math from NCSU in 1951. He received a joint Doctorate degree from NCSU and UNC in mathematics in 1956.
Dr. Speece began teaching at NCSU in 1947 and retired in 1980. He served as the department head of Math and Science Education at his retirement. Dr. Speece served the university after his retirement and with his wife established the Herbert and Ruth Speece scholarship fund in math education for worthy students with teaching aspirations. He was recognized by the university as an outstanding alumnus and received numerous other service and teaching awards.
He was a lifelong educator and met with students from the university only days before his death. He was known for his joyful laugh, warm demeanor, and zest for life. He was the lover of anything NC State and storyteller extraordinaire.
Dr. Speece was an active member of Fairmont United Methodist Church for over 50 years and often taught Sunday school.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Fairmont United Methodist Church, 2501 Clark Ave., Raleigh, NC 27607-7299, Herbert and Ruth Speece Scholarship Fund at NC State Alumni Association, Box 7503, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7503, or the Springmoor Endowment fund, 1500 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615.
Memorials can be made at www.brownwynne.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Oct. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Speece

5 Entries

Maie Peterson Meerkamper

October 20, 2010

Debbie and Mrs. Speece,

Like my sister Susan, I have such fond memories of Mr. Speece! The thought of his laughter takes me back to Bridge Club evenings in our pink living room, picnics in your big backyard and at Umstead Park, tramping around The Spells … happy times when our families were so close.

I'm so very sorry for your personal loss as well as for that of the University. The world is a little dimmer with the loss of his warm and brilliant light. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family!

Pam Cardoza

October 19, 2010

Dear Ruth and Deborah and Steve,
The College of Education at NC State University has lost a great man. We are saddened to learn of Dr. Speece's passing. At the same time we celebrate his wonderful life and many, many accomplishments. His work over his long career as a student and then a faculty member and department head in the College laid a strong foundation for the work that continues today. His numerous accomplishments were recognized during his lifetime with many awards. His legacy ripples through generations of teacher leaders and students who benefited from high quality teaching. We once again celebrate his leadership and grand humanity at this time of his passing. He gave so much and leaves a lasting legacy in math and science education, the College of Education and NC State University. We are grateful that he chose NC State as the place to make his enormous contributions to the field of education. We are privileged to build upon his foundation.

Susan Hardee

October 18, 2010

Dear Mrs. Speece and Debbie,
What grand memories we have of cookouts and beach trips all punctuated by Mr. Speece's glorious laugh! Sharing love and prayers with you in honoring his wonderful and accomplished life.
Susan Peterson Hardee

Dr. Grover Miller, Professor Emeritus

October 17, 2010

It is with great sorrow to read the death of Dr. Herb Speece. We were close at NCSU and my wife worked for him. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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October 16, 2010

Back in 1973, I was an NCSU freshman Math major in my first math class and had just discovered that my high school teacher didn't teach me the trig that I needed. In those days there were no math labs, just a determined student and a kind, gentle teacher who was so patient with me and just smiled and helped me, no matter how many times I showed up at his office door. I taught math for 30 years and will always treasure the memory of the man who showed me, by example, what a great educator is.
May you find comfort in his legacy.
Sue Dickens Garriss NCSU Class of 1977

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