Ben Lacy Speer

Ben was a singer, musician, music publisher, and record company executive.

He sang for The Speer Family for most of his career. Ben later became the music director of the Gaither Homecoming programs.

He was born on June 26, 1930 in Double Springs, Alabama, the youngest child of Lena and George Thomas Speer. Ben was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1995, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Southern Gospel Piano Roll of Honor in 2002. Ben spent his entire life surrounded by music. He brought great joy to all who heard him sing and who were fortunate to learn from his vast knowledge of music. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Lena and George Thomas Speer, siblings, Brock, and Mary Tom Speer. Ben is survived by his wife, Rebekah Long Speer, children Stephen (Priscilla) Speer, Darin (Alane) Speer; sister, Rosa Nell Speer Powell; several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Monday April 10, from four until seven o’clock in the evening at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and from eleven until one o’clock on Tuesday followed by a Celebration of Life Service at one o’clock at The First Church of the Nazarene, 510 Woodlawn Street.

Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers are Dave Clark, Gene McDonald, Tim Reid, Mike Allen, Brian Speer, Marc Speer, Tom Powell, Shannon Fontaine and Per Norstrand.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Me, Nashville, TN.