Walter Henry Speer

Speer East Bend - Walter Henry Speer, 95, passed away Friday, November 8, 2013 at his home. He was born September 17, 1918 in Yadkin County to the late Willie Huriah Speer and Nettie Geneva Spillman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frank Loville Martin Speer; two sisters and a brother. As a young person, he attended and taught Sunday school at Stony Knoll Methodist Church. He later joined Enon Baptist Church where he also taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. On May 12, 1942, he answered his nations call and served with the 320th Bomb group during WWII. He spent four birthdays overseas. After returning home he married and fathered two daughters. Walter provided for his family by farming and working for Frank L. Blum Construction Co. until retirement. Walter was a volunteer fireman for the East Bend Fire Department for years. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and was instrumental in construction of the current facility. He was also a Mason and a member of Oasis Shriners, Piedmont Pioneer Lodge and Winston Salem York Rite. Before the internet age, Walter was a ham radio operator and volunteered for MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Station) relaying messages from those in service abroad to family members in the states. Surviving are his daughters, Valonta (Michael) Wall and Dianne Steelman; five grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and one more great grandchild on the way. His funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, November 11, 2013 at Enon Baptist Church by the Rev. Mark Elmore and the Rev. Gary Mahathey. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors by the Yadkin VFW Post 10346 and Masonic Rights by Piedmont Pioneer Lodge #0685. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 10, 2013 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. Memorials can be made to American Legion Post, c/o David Shore, 1308 Charity Baptist Church Road, Boonville NC 27011 or Enon Baptist Church, 6321 Old Hwy 421, East Bend, NC 27018. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Speer family. Online condolence can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.