Franklin D. Speakman, 81, of Falkville, Alabama, entered into his heavenly home on Wednesday evening, May 15, 2024. Mr. Speakman was born in Cullman County, Alabama, on August 27, 1942, to the late Irwin Washington and Bessie Mildred Massey Speakman.
Mr. Speakman married his wife, Imogene “Jean” Page Speakman, at the age of seventeen. Frank and Jean were married for sixty-three years. Together they had a beautiful daughter, Rhonda, and she was their joy. They were blessed with grandchildren, and then a great-grandchild and they were looking forward to the arrival of a second great-grandchild later this year. Mr. Speakman adored his family, and he cherished the time he spent with them.
Several years into their marriage, Frank was called into the ministry, and he spent the next fifty years sharing the message of salvation through Christ Jesus. Mr. Speakman preached at various churches in the area and was honored and humbled to have taken the word of the Lord not only to his friends and neighbors, but also into both Canada and Norway. He and Jean were enjoying attending Temple Baptist Church together in his retirement.
Mr. Speakman lived out his faith and with a servant heart, he was always offering to help his neighbors. Frank enjoyed gardening and tending to his flowers, and he was quick to share his talents and knowledge with them. Without the neighbors asking him to, he made sure their yards were free of leaves and limbs and even planted flower beds for them. Frank enjoyed showing the love of Christ to others, and this was one of the many ways in which he did so. Frank was a true example to us all of the love of Christ.
While his family grieves for him, they are comforted with the knowledge that Frank is now in the presence of our Father. Just a few days ago Frank expressed his excitement to meet his Jesus. There is true joy in knowing that he is made new, knows no pain or sorrow, and he now walks with his Savior.
Those preceding Mr. Speakman in death includes his parents; brothers, John B. Speakman, Ollie Speakman; and sisters, Earlene Morgan, Marie Warnke, Nella Mae Massey.
Franklin is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Speakman; daughter, Rhonda Speakman Tower (Brent); grandchildren, Brittany Tower, Amanda Tower, Brianna Tower Chapman (Cannan); great-grandson, Cooper; brother, Lummie Washington Speakman (Sue); and a host of nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation will be held for Mr. Speakman on Friday evening, May 17, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Holly Pond Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Speakman will lie in state, at the funeral home, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 1 p.m. until services begin at 2 p.m. Keith Poss and Steve Hasting will be officiating. Burial will follow services in Redan Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Speakman family and our thoughts and prayers are with them.
