Bennie Gerald Speights

Bennie Gerald Speights, 92, of Eufaula, Alabama, died Friday, February 21, 2025, at his home. He was born July 9, 1932, in Pinson, Alabama and was the son of the late Callaway Moses Daniel and Ola Benneffie Gillham Speights. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 28, 2025, at 12 noon, in the Chapman Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Ken Bush officiating and Chapman Funeral Home directing and burial following at Memory Gardens Cemetery. The visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. until 12 P.M. 

 He married Betty Sue Waldrop November 13,1950 and was married for 74 years until her death on October 23, 2024.  He Joined USAF where he served for 25 years before retiring as Master Sargeant.  Traveled England, Canada, Alaska, and the continental United States during his enlistment.  Part of the original cadre at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He retired in 1973 to Eufaula AL and was a part of the Eufaula Bass Club.  Served as guide for many fishermen and would-be fishermen on Lake Eufaula for many years.    

  Bennie was a Commander at the Eufaula VFW Post 5850 for many years after retirement.  He and his wife opened the Eufaula Airport Restaurant in 1976 until 1998.  His patrons were from near and far.  Eufaula residents and fishermen from all over enjoyed the food and fresh vegetables from his garden.   This from Hashim Hago Ibrahim, Kahrtoum Sudan...  “In all my travels around the world the best steak I ever had was at your restaurant.  With the grace of Allah may it always be so.”

In 1993 Bennie built Betty the home of her dreams.  They hosted numerous family reunions as well as parties for friends.  He even created two ponds so his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews could be introduced to and enjoy fishing and the outdoors.  Bennie was an avid gardener raising everything from vegetables to flowers, always sharing them with friends and neighbors. He was preceded death by his wife Betty and daughter Sondra Speights Coatta.

Survivors include his son Gregory Speights (Jan); his grandchildren Ryan, Derek, and Rachel (Greg); Chris (Sondra); and great grandchildren: Chloe and Charlotte (Chris).

Bennie will be missed by his many friends and compatriots along with his family, nieces and nephews.  We always enjoyed his hospitality and his indomitable sense of humor. 

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