Joel B. Speights

Joel B. Speights
February 14, 1956 – May 23, 2025
Joel Bowman Speights, 69, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, in Houston, Texas, following a two-year battle with renal cell carcinoma and myasthenia gravis. He was born February 14, 1956, in Prentiss, Mississippi to Roy and Guynell Speights.
He graduated from Mississippi State University, earning a BS in Petroleum Engineering. Years later he was named a Distinguished Engineering Fellow by the Bagley College of Engineering. He had a remarkable 44-year career as a reservoir engineer in the oil and gas industry, much of it spent working internationally.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joel was a man of many interests. He became a licensed private pilot at the age of 16 and flew single engine planes for many years. In later years he became certified to fly tail draggers after purchasing and restoring a 1945 Aeronca Champ. He was an avid fly fisherman, spending as much time as possible fly fishing in Wyoming and Italy. In later years he returned to quail hunting, training his French Brittany to hunt with him as well. Joel was a member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, and Covington (LA) Masonic Lodge #188.
Joel is survived by his wife of 48 years, Toni Aaron Speights; daughter, Savannah Elizabeth Marie; and his beloved hunting dog, Bowdrie. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Speights Oliver (Mark) of Raymond, MS; sisters-in-law Lyla A. McClain (Ronnie) of Water Valley, MS and Laura A. Liggett of San Marcos, TX; several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Guynell Speights of Prentiss, MS.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: • St. Martin's Episcopal Church Outreach Endowment Fund • Special Operations Warrior Foundation • Rescued Pets Movement
The family would like to express appreciation to the nurses and caregivers of Premiere Care Solutions, who took wonderful care of him during the last four months, as well as the doctors and nurses at Houston Methodist Hospital – Medical Center for their care and support. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joel, please visit our Tree Store.