Eugene Travis Speed Jr.

1937 - 2025

Eugene Travis Speed, Jr. Tarboro - Eugene Travis Speed, Jr, 88, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Gene was the son of Eugene T. "Charlie" Speed, Sr. and Elizabeth Weeks "Sue" Speed, both of whom preceded him in death.

He was born in Tarboro, North Carolina on March 19, 1937, and raised in Speed, NC where he lived until his early adult years. Gene attended the College of Engineering at N.C. State University, but before the completion of the program, was called to serve his country in the United States Army and was a medic in West Germany during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home, he married Barbara Ann Haynes and they were blessed with two children, Eugene, III and Susan. Gene completed an apprenticeship online for Carolina Enterprise for Design Engineering, specializing in plastics. This led him to a fulfilling twenty-three year career where he enjoyed designing and manufacturing toys and other plastic goods.

Gene loved his Lord and Savior and was a lifetime member of Speed Baptist Church. Over the years he served in many capacities that included Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, deacon and later, chairman of the deacons, until his passing. Gene's servant's heart was further exemplified in his roles and membership of Speed's Town Council and the Volunteer Fire Department. Gene was an avid hunter and loved to fish off-shore and in the surf at the beach, but above all else was his demonstrated kindness and his selfless love and devotion to his wife, children and family. Gene and Barbara celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on July 11, 2025. Including the six years they dated prior to being married, Gene and Barbara shared seventy-two precious years together serving the Lord and building their life and family. Gene was quick-witted and had a wonderful sense of humor. He leaves a legacy of love, laughter and wisdom for all who were blessed to know him.

Gene leaves a lifetime of treasured memories especially for his wife, Barbara Haynes Speed; children, Eugene T. Speed, III (Glenn) and Susan Haynes Speed Suiter (Stokes); god-child, Mary Elizabeth Speed Caudill (Robert) and grandchildren, Edward L. Hull, Jr. (Jamie), Katie Lee Speed and Eugene T. Speed, IV (Avery). "Poppa" also welcomed and loved with a smile our newest family members, great-grandchildren, Harper Elizabeth Hull and Hayes Travis Speed. Gene is also survived by his sister, Brenda Speed Eagles and very special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Please join family and friends for a special service to honor God and celebrate Gene's wonderful life at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Speed Baptist Church, 202 Church Street, Speed, NC 27881. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00pm.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to Speed Baptist Church Grounds and Cemetery Fund, PO Box 305, Speed, NC 27881 or to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 9601, Washington, DC 20090-6011, in honor of Gene's life and legacy.

Services provided by Davis-Little Funerals, Rocky Mount. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.davislittlefunerals.com.