Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at East Columbia Baptist Church for Robert Kelly Speights Jr., 74, of Columbia, who died on Monday, July 3. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Rev. Dave Nichols and Rev. Ben Whatley officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, at Hathorn Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until the time of the services on Friday, July 7, at East Columbia Baptist Church.
He loved his family immensely and he enjoyed spending time with them along with his grandchildren. He was in the dairy supply business for over 50 years. He also worked alongside his father at their dairy farm on Singley Road. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved deer hunting, fishing, coon hunting and taking trips to Alaska. He enjoyed cooking and sharing his special recipes. His specialty was ribs and beef soup. He coached Dixie Youth Girls Softball for many years. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kelly and Elizabeth Speights; grandparents, Albert and Effie Singley and grandparents, Oliver and Mary Speights.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Jane Speights; three children, Shelia Kinchen (Kin), Robby Speights and Melissa Fite (Matt); one sister, Martha Baughman; three grandchildren, Hunter Fite, Haley Fite and Tanner Fite; special family friend, Larry Thompson; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Hunter Fite, Larry Thompson, Berkley Hall, David McDonald, Joe Bullock, Ben Baughman and Brian Speights. Honorary pallbearer was Sam Byrd.
Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
