Mr. Grady Wayne Speaks Sr., 91, of Statesville, N.C., died Monday, December 2, 2019, at his home. Born in Iredell County on December 4, 1927, he was the son of the late Garland Speaks and Louella Brooks Speaks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the former Marianna Johnson Speaks, in 2018; a son, Philip Speaks in 1996; and a sister, Carolyn S. MacDaniels.

Mr. Speaks was a self-motivator. He sold cookware and books and was also a printer. He was a member of Abilene Church of Christ and enjoyed bowling, music and golf. He served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army and was a World War II veteran.

Survivors include two sons, Wayne Speaks and wife Amy and Jeff Speaks; a daughter, Patty Summers and husband Mickey, all of Statesville; and a daughter, Liane Bender of Germany. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Rob Summers (Stephanie), Roxie Barnes, Cynthia S. Moore (Dwayne), Stephanie S. Brooks (Clay), Daniel Brown, Dany Bender (Sabine), and Denise Sester, (Daniel) along with great-grandchildren, Michael and Kathryn Summers, Austin and Charlotte Moore, Nico and Celine Bender, Alisha Sester, Ryan and Liam Brooks, and Madelyn and Gabrielle Barnes. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mr. Speaks will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Abilene Church of Christ with Minister Dave Olson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home. At other times the family will be assembled at the home.

Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials may be given to the Cemetery Fund of Abilene Church of Christ, 120 Bell Farm Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Speaks said: “If you took the time to read this, don’t forget to come sign the book.”