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BORN
1940
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
William Speakes Obituary
December 17, 1940 - September 20, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky - William Thomas Speakes III, 84, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025. He was born December 17, 1940 in Lexington, Kentucky to the late William Thomas Speakes II and Jean Marie Curry Speakes.
Bill lived his life on his own terms. He assumed the responsibilities of an adult when he married at the age of 16 and became a father at 17. He worked many jobs to support his young and growing family but soon found he preferred working for himself. He owned several businesses including Baskin-Robbins, The Turquoise Place, Bananas Tavern, and Squires Tavern. His bravery was evident with his business decisions and willingness to take risks.
He was an entrepreneur who has been described as "one of a kind" and "larger than life". He described himself as an "idea man". He loved nothing more than working on a project and seeing his ideas come to life. What brought him the most joy was making people laugh and telling stories.
He is survived by his children Susan Lear (Jesse), Betsy Grant (Robert), Jill Calavano (Anthony) and his beloved grandchildren Shawn Lear (Chrys), Garrett Grant (Lauren), Julianna Grant (Cooper), Isabella Calavano and Nicholas Calavano. He is survived as well by his sister Sara Hufford and his nieces Lisa Swift (Greg), Tina Haggard (David) and Shannon Hufford (Tim).
He is also survived by his former wife Burneva Edmundson (Alan) with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.
Visitation to honor Bill's life will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home located at 3421 Harrodsburg Rd., Lexington. A graveside service will be held the following day at 10:30am at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens, 4915 Harrodsburg Rd., Nicholasville, KY.
Bill will be greatly missed. May he find eternal peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Memories and Condolences
for William Speakes
Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
8 Entries
Wendy E. Marcum
October 1, 2025
Bill was a wonderful friend to me. I cherished his friendship and will miss our talks. Thankful that I did visit you a couple of times while you were sick. Sad I was not here when you left us, I had gone home to England. Prayers for family in their time of sorrow.
Michael Korb
September 24, 2025
Uncle Bill was a wonderful person who was very good to me. I loved spending time with him when we were able and I will have a lifetime of memories to reflect on. Go rest Uncle Bill and enjoy time with those who went home before you.
Mary Carol
September 24, 2025
My grade school friend, such a nice guy.
Bill Sandage
September 23, 2025
The World is a less interesting place with the passing of Bill. He was one of the
Original movers and shaker´s of the Lexington Restaurant and Bar scene...He
Orchestrated His establishment´s to attract an eclectic group from all professions
And ages while making everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. He will be missed
Along with many of his close friends who preceded him and will join in spirit.
Somewhere there is a serious card game being assembled. Well done my Friend!
How you can show support
Mike Delaney
September 23, 2025
Sara and all of Billy's surviving family, I am very sorry for your loss. From elementary days at St. Paul's to being Cub Scouts together, I remember well how your Mom served as Den Mother keeping him, me and the rest of our den in line and active times. I'll never forget her either. I'm keep remembering those days and later ones after Billy (and you) became great entrepreneurs with all those taverns. RIP my friend, and try to put in a good word for me as you pour St. Peter a drink
Patsy Leet Smith
September 23, 2025
Sara, I´m so very sorry to see where your brother Bill has passed. I was just thinking of him yesterday. He was always nice to me.
John McIntosh
September 23, 2025
Susan and Betsy ...
I am sorry to read of your Dad's passing ... I always remember him being generous, nice, and a hard worker. I am sure he will be missed.
Hope you and your Mom, sister & families are well.
Warmest regards, John McIntosh
Frank Bannock
September 23, 2025
I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH BURNEVA AND PLAYED SPORTS WITH BILLY. BOTH WERE GOOD FRIENDS. BILLY WILL BE MISSED.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
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Memorial Events
for William Speakes
Sep
26
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kerr Brothers Funeral Home - Harrodsburg Rd.
3421 Harrodsburg Rd., Lexington, KY 40513
Sep
27
Service
10:30 a.m.
Blue Grass Memorial Gardens
4915 Harrodsburg Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356
Funeral services provided by:
Kerr Brothers Funeral Home - Harrodsburg Road3421 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40513
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