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BORN
1930
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Ben Speer Obituary
Nashville, TN
Dr. Ben Lacy Speer, age 86, passed away on April, 7, 2017.
Ben was a singer, musician, music publisher, and record company executive. He sang for The Speer Family for most of his career. Ben later became the music director of the Gaither Homecoming programs.
He was born on June 26, 1930 in Double Springs, Alabama, the youngest child of Lena and George Thomas Speer. Ben was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1995, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Southern Gospel Piano Roll of Honor in 2002. Ben spent his entire life surrounded by music. He brought great joy to all who heard him sing and who were fortunate to learn from his vast knowledge of music. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Lena and George Thomas Speer, siblings, Brock, and Mary Tom Speer. Ben is survived by his wife, Rebekah Long Speer, children Stephen (Priscilla) Speer, Darin (Alane) Speer; sister, Rosa Nell Speer Powell; several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Monday April 10, from four until seven o'clock in the evening at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and from eleven until one o'clock on Tuesday followed by a Celebration of Life Service at one o'clock at The First Church of the Nazarene, 510 Woodlawn Street.
Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers are Dave Clark, Gene McDonald, Tim Reid, Mike Allen, Brian Speer, Marc Speer, Tom Powell, Shannon Fontaine and Per Norstrand.
Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ben Speer
Sponsored by Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park.
James Crist, staff sergeant
April 21, 2025
We were in the Air Force at the same time in Bangor Maine he and Tilly sang down town.
Gladys Wak
April 8, 2019
Hello, Ben's family,
Great, humble and genuine love of Christ I experienced from Ben will never be forgotten.
His songs and the humility in him made my work with Christ deeper. Be happy and rejoice in the Lord for I believe he is in the arms of our Lord right now.
Shalom!
Dot Rutledge
December 30, 2018
My favorite Christmas song this year....by Ben Speer..... Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. So....he lives on...
June 10, 2018
I will never forget June 16, 2000, as long as I live. The Gaithers and the Homecoming Friends had done their second concert in a row, in Lubbock, Texas. It was at what was then known as The United Spirit Arena. After the concert, I had a chance to meet and talk with the Speer Family. He was a dear man to talk to. He took time out with you, no matter how you looked. He let his actions and his Godly behavior do his talking for him. He was the sweetest man I ever met. I really love and miss him. Christina Miller
Rosa Nell & Ben @ Stamps Baxter
Sally Jones
April 28, 2018
Birdie & Ben
Sally Jones
April 28, 2018
Duke Omurwa
April 6, 2018
A truly
seasoned gospel musician. Bye man of God
Ruth Barrow
January 27, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember when the Speer family used to come to the first church of the Nazarene in Ironton Ohio and sing also when Ben and Brock used to sing turn your radio on and Brock would tease Ben and it had everybody laughing also when Wally and Ginger Laxon would sing with them. My prayers are with your family
Pauletta Beaver
October 8, 2017
Sorry to say I just found out a out Ben. I was hunting a song I always loved that time has taken most of the words from me. Its time cannot heal, only God can. I use to listen to it a lot. Please remember. God can heal.
Gladys Wak & Children
September 16, 2017
Ben Speer and the Gaither family has been the reason why I breathe and serve the Lord. The genuineness in their music and commitment to the Lord words cannot equate. I love Ben Speer and his voice and music has made me a better person and hopes to see him again in Heaven with the heavenly choirs some day. We rejoice with the Speer family this day because they will meet him again. Right now he is in a better land where he will never grow old and no more sickness. Free from troubles. God bless you all!
Rowena Ladd
September 15, 2017
Loved their music! I hate to hear this and my heart and prayers go out to his family!
Chris Siler
July 23, 2017
Ithought the world of Ben loved his songs going to miss him Chris
Steve Guffy
July 15, 2017
Brother Ben is now among the angels in heaven singing the praise of the God we love. Love the music that his family sang and the humor he had on the many Gaither homecoming videos. He and cliff barrow with be leading the choir on the glorious day when we all meet with the Savior
Sebastian Avram
July 3, 2017
We have lost a legend. May God rest His soul over Ben Speer's family. He is now in the presence of the Lord, along with Vestal, Rex, George, Jessy, the great Chest Bass legend, John Daniel Sumner, and many more faithful, beautiful folks! Can't wait to meet you there one day, Ben! God bless you all!
Ben Goff
June 22, 2017
I was watching Youtube and found out that Ben had passed away. It breaks my heart to know this. I love his version of Time Has Made A Change; listening to it now. Another one gone but oh, how we are better from his music.
Chris Taylor
May 15, 2017
All of the souls if heaven angels are singing heaven's jubilee Right now. It tells us in the Bible to morn a birth and to rejoice a death, I rejoice in the the fact that Ben is singing with the saints. Thank you God for blessing me and millions in giving this old world of troubles and trials with the gift of Ben.
Mr. Chris Taylor, Springfield mo.
James Verner
May 11, 2017
It was the very early 1990's and my wife, Agnes, and I were studying the Khmer language, with the view of helping in the post Pol Pot restoration of Cambodia. We got hold of the Gaither videos, and it was then that we first met Ben Speer! Living in the arid Northeast of Thailand, neighboring the Cambodian border, language for us was not easy, especially since we had already served 28 and 30 years respectively as missionaries to Thailand. Being older than many, and beginning a new language, we needed special soul nourishment to keep us afloat for God. That is when the Speer family caught our attention in a big way. I can still feel the emotion of singing along with Ben his rendering of "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem." That's when his voice would break, and that's when our hearts overflowed! Now Ben can gaze forever upon his beautiful Star--and Jesus will pronounce His "well done" to a faithful servant. James
Tony Smith
May 5, 2017
Dear Speer Family:
May God hold each one of you close at this very difficult time of loss, The Speer Family has blessed countless lives through the years with their songs of faith and praise. Ben has rejoined the family and what a jubilee there must be in Heaven today!
Archie Jordan
April 21, 2017
Dear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. But we trust that Ben is in a far better place now. It is so good to know that you can see him again one day.
What a legacy he leaves behind with his music, but most of all his family is his greatest legacy I'm sure. He and his wife's children and those to follow. They are his walking legacy.
God bless you much and praying the Lord will comfort you in this time.
Sincerely,
Archie Jordan
writer of What A Difference You've Made In My Life. (I'm sure Ben made a difference in many lives with the message of the Gospel through his music)
Larry Jernigan
April 19, 2017
The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.
Larry Jernigan
April 19, 2017
The song has ended, but the melody lingers on....
Linda Barnhill
April 18, 2017
What a blessing you were to the world with your music. Your unique voice and ability to deliver the lyrics of a song was like no one else. What a joy it was to me to work with you and share a wonderful friendship. You were such a kind, gentle and giving man. I will forever cherish the special memories. I will always love you (in the right way.) May God surround Rebekah, Rosa Nell and the Speer family with comfort and peace.
Linda Zedler Talley
April 17, 2017
I still love Ben's rendition of "Till the Storm Passes Over." Looking forward to meeting him at The Throne of Christ someday. Blessings
Wilma
April 13, 2017
What not you have brought to all who heard you sing and play piano for so many years. Looking forward to that meeting in the air.
April 13, 2017
Thank You for all the greats moments.
H. Weber, Switzerland
Dave Oseland
April 12, 2017
Have so many fond memories when I was a teenager of Ben, along with "Mom & Dad" and Brock Speer - Ginger Smith was at the piano then. Ben will be missed surely....Peace to his memory.
Cindy Ward
April 12, 2017
Rest in peace Mr.Speer,God call him home.
Leamon Lorance
April 12, 2017
A great loss for Southern Gospel. I've enjoyed the Speer Family for over 70 years. They had few if any peer. So sad that he is gone but we still have records.
L. Lorance
JAMES HARRIS
April 12, 2017
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF BEN'S PASSING. HE WAS A GREAT SINGER. I HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET HIM& HEAR HIM SING IN PERSON SERVERAL YEARS AGO.IN SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS. I KNOW THAT HE WAS READY TO GO. EARTH'S LOSS IS HEAVEN'S GAIN.
Donna Clark Goodrich
April 11, 2017
A talented musician, an even greater man. The music world has suffered a great loss this week, as has his family and friends. He will be missed.
Jeanette Boutwell
April 11, 2017
I always enjoyed hearing the SPEERS sing and Ben was a talented person with a mighty touch of God on his life. He seemed to reach people like no other, through his music. I honor your dedication, for blessing so many people with songs from Heaven.
Cathy Davis
April 11, 2017
I grew up listening & loving the Speer Family. My Mama born in Nashville and my Daddy used to go the gospel singings for dates! She still has the Speer Family albums we all cherish them. One of my favorite recordings was of the song My Lord Will Lead Me Home where Ben kept repeating the chorus and on the album we hear Brock say there he goes again!! Well now The Lord has led Ben home! Great song and memory. Ben Speer has touched many lives and blessed us all. Blessings and prayers to Rosa Nell, Rebekah, Stephen, Darin and all of the Speer family. Heaven's gain is truly our loss but oh what music they will have in that Heavenly Choir!
-Cathy R. Davis
Terry Harpole
April 11, 2017
I was very sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Ben, and we will keep all family in prayer.
The Carr Famil
Darren J. Carr
April 11, 2017
I remember growing up in a Christian home, listening to the Speer Family. I still listen to them in 2017. I got the privalage to meet Ben in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, during the Gaithers home coming travel. It was my pleasure to meet such a Holy Ghost filled man. A man full of happiness and Love. I send my deepest sympathy to all the Speer Family. May God wrap you in His arms.. My prayers go out to all of you. God Bless,
Darren & Nettie Carr &
Family
Ann Grubb
April 11, 2017
For many years I heard the Speer family on radio, then watched the "young family" on Gaither DVDs. I was still watching Ben on Gaither DVDs when I was blessed to attend Stamps-Baxter School July 2016. It was all a blessing, but nothing blessed me more than singing for Ben as he sat in front of our group and alternated between smiles and tears. My heart goes out to his family and dear friends. Ben is at Home and singing as never before!
Evangelist David Williams
April 11, 2017
The Speers have always been a part of my southern gospel life. Ben was so funny sometimes and he was a great man of God and music. he will sorely be missed.
Ade Toosin
April 11, 2017
I really love Ben, he'll be so much missed
Sheena Apple
April 11, 2017
My mom and i will miss Ben Saw in many Gaither Homecoming Concerts
Galen Creighton
April 11, 2017
The Speer Family has blessed my heart many times over the years with their amazing music.
God be with you during this dark hour.
Stu and Elva Drum
April 11, 2017
"Well done Ben". Our love and condolences to the family.
Carolyn Nored LeQuieu
April 11, 2017
We will miss Ben. He's singing with his family and friends again in the heavenly choir. Our prayers for Rebekah and Rosa Nell and all the family. See you in Heaven Ben.
kristi jones
April 10, 2017
R.I.P Ben you were a great singer you will be missed by alot of people from kristi
George Goss J
April 10, 2017
RIP Ben you have fought a good fight.I know you are singing again in Heaven with the Speer family .
Ann McLean
April 10, 2017
'Absent from the body, present with the Lord.' Its was such a privilege and honour to have met this Southern Gospel Singer and Musical Legend at Stamps Baxter School of Music during 2014 and 2015 when across from Scotland with MJ. May God give his wife Rebekah and all the friends and family of the Speer Family strength to get through this difficult time. God Bless R.I.P. Ben
James & Becky Nicholson
April 10, 2017
Heaven Will Surely Be worth it All
Thanks to one of the Greatest Gospel music Families The Speer's for sharing the message of Jesus all over the world and encouraging believers on a daily basis with the great gospel music from the heart. I never shall forget the day, Cornerstone, And He's Ever Interceding... Just to name a few.
Brother Ben Lacy Speer.....Thanks for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Praying for the family.
Ms Rosa Nell Speer Powell--- We Love You...
The Nicholson's --- Alabama
James & Becky
Rev. David Young
April 10, 2017
Miss Ben Spears. Looking forward to seeing him again in our new home. Praying for those left behind
Ser nay ler Pwe
April 10, 2017
I will miss him so much.
Debbie Elton
April 10, 2017
Loved Been Speer, & thecSpeer Family. My prayers are with the entire Family.
Arthur Sisk
April 10, 2017
Loved this mans life and songs
Mike Stewart
April 10, 2017
There is not a week that goes by that I have not watched Ben sing on Y- Tube. I can here him now singing The Brush.
Every time I sing I always tried to sing I tried to sing like hi,
In February of 1994 we lost a 20 year old son. The night before we buried Todd, the comfort that I received was Ben singing In The Midst of It All.
God Bless his children and this wonderful family who have been a part of my life since 1963.
Mike Stewart, King, NC
yvonne Hinson/Johnson
April 10, 2017
What a great loss to all of us who have had this wonderful and talented man be a part and touched our lives. He will always be remembered with wonderful memories.
Anita Norman
April 10, 2017
Thank you, Ben, for answering God's call on your life. I grew up listening to your music and attended many Speer Family concerts in the 60's and 70's. You were such a great blessing to the kingdom, and now you are enjoying your eternal reward.
Ray Bishop
April 10, 2017
We have been blessed many times by this man's great singing. Guess he just keeps singing where he's gone to!!
Blessings to all!!
Iliff Morris
April 9, 2017
He's the best and funny person......I will miss him so much...I will never forget because he like to laugh and much more. My prayers goes with the family of speers
Chris Ladd
April 9, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go to the family. Ben was one of a kind and I will miss him.
Gregory Scarbrough
April 9, 2017
I will miss Ben...he was such an inspiration to me and my walk with Christ. So many of the gospel legends have made their journey home but I know Ben is singing today. To his wife...and Rosa Nell....and rest of family...may God comfort you at this time.
GRETA STUART
April 9, 2017
ANOTHER PRECIOUS SOUL IS NOW IN TH ARMS OF JESUS...I HAVE KNOWN THE SPEER FAMILY SINCE 1949....SPENT MANY DAYS AND WKS. WITH MARY TOM....BEN, WAS SUCH A NICE GENTLEMAN AND A
GODLY MAN...HE WILL BE MISSED...CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN...GRETA PIERCE STUART PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI
Barry Newell
April 9, 2017
Had just listened to " What a Meeting in the Air" when I heard of the passing of Ben Speer. Love so much the music of the Speer Family. My condolences to Rosa Nell Speer Powell and family in the loss of Ben. May God 's peace and comfort be with you at this time.
Sharon Holt
April 9, 2017
So sorry to hear this sad news. Thoughts and prayers to the family...
Marina Taylor
April 9, 2017
Mr Speer has been such a blessing! Condolences from Vancouver Island, Canada
Susan Tonarely
April 9, 2017
Ben was a leader, encourager, honest and made me laugh. I met Ben at the Stamps Baxter School of Music when my young daughter went there their first year of opening. I was called the dorm mom for the younger teens. He also brought me into the fold of photographer and would make sure that we had all that we needed while there. Ben introduced my daughter to a new way of singing the Shape Notes. Ben will be missed and his music will carry on.
Susan Tonarely
Ken Williams
April 8, 2017
We loved Brother Ben and helped premote the Speers on Radio. We still play their music. I lost a great friend and singer. Heaven gained a great singer and piano player. Love to all of the family. My God be with you in the days ahead. Love. Prayer's and Blessings. Bro. Ken Williams
Rev. Ken Williams & My good friend Dr. Ben Speer
Rev. Ken Williams
April 8, 2017
To all of Brother Ben's family. Working in radio for over 25 years. Brother Ben was always friendly to me and I loved him very much. He always had time to visit with me. He would always give me CD's of the Speers and the Stamps/Baxter classes Singing to share with people on radio in South Georgia where I live and premote the old time GOSPEL MUSIC. My prayers and thoughts are with y'all. I will be doing a tribute to Brother Ben on my radio show next Saturday. We loved him and we love all of you! God Bless Y'all Bro. Ken Williams WULS 103.7 FM. Douglas, GA.
Cathy Stanfield
April 8, 2017
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. May God give you strength and comfort you. Cathy Kennedy Stanfield
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