John Carl Speed, 69, of Chatawa, MS was welcomed to his forever home with the Lord on February 12, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

"Jack" was born on June 24, 1953 at the United States Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, IL, to Keith Paugh and Virginia Speed Paugh. In 1956, he moved to Chatawa, MS, to be raised by his grandmother, Lillie Speed, and his uncle, John Speed. He experienced the joys of a large family and the doting of older uncles and aunts, some being more like brothers and sisters.

He attended South Pike High School (Home of the Bearcats) and Southwest Mississippi Community College. Jack served in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1979. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University, and had a career as a drilling fluids engineer in the oil and gas industry for 37 years.

He was a hands-on father, enjoyably involved in numerous activities, including coaching baseball, cattle showing, countless band half-time shows, resident math homework expert, hours and hours of throwing and pitching practice. His grandchildren knew him as a loving Pa Pa, and the world's greatest pancake maker.

Anyone who knew Jack, knew he was fiercely proud of his family. He was blessed to have too many first cousins to count, and one of his greatest joys was hosting the Speed Family Reunion each year in Chatawa ("The Center of the Universe"). He cherished being able to help connect and reunite old friends, so much so that he inaugurated the "The Big Chill on Speed Hill" to host fellow Bearcat alumni and other school friends at his home for 12 years.

Jack was loving, kind, sentimental, loyal, particular, opinionated, and witty. Voted "Most Friendly" in high school, he continued to personify this for the rest of his life. He disliked the beach, bad grammar, and flying. He loved Ole Miss, chargrilled oysters, thunderstorms, music, lots of ice in his drinks, and the USA. He was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, making jelly, and extended road trips to see all of God's creations.

At a young age, Jack met the love of his life, Dawn Patterson. They were Junior High and High School sweethearts and enjoyed the last 21 years of his life married to each other. He was a member of Terry's Creek Baptist Church and loved the Lord. He faced his illness with dignity, courage, and an unwavering peace that was inspiring.

He is preceded in death by his uncle John Speed, grandmother Lillie Speed, and his parents Keith Paugh, and Virginia P. Reynolds.

Jack is survived by his wife, Dawn, a daughter June Gatlin (Patrick) of Huntsville, AL, a son Dan Speed (Brooke) of Chatawa, MS, grandchildren John Speed, Grant Gatlin, Lily Speed, Grace Gatlin, step-children Clay, Andre, and Brock Freeman, step-grandchildren Catlyn, Mason, Madison, Harleigh, Karis, Alex, Cheyenne, Hannah, Kipton, BraeLyn, Clayson, a sister Linda Lindeen (Steve), and a brother Wilbern Reynolds (Telena).

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Hartman Jones Funeral Home, visitation will continue Friday, February 17, 2023 at Terry's Creek Baptist Church from 10:00 AM until funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Terry's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Jude's Hospital for Children–Jack's favorite charity which he donated to faithfully.