Obituary of Henry Ford Speich

Henry (Hank) Ford Speich, Jr. was born April 20, 1931 in Green County, Wisconsin and passed away at age 81 on February 16, 2013. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1949 and joined the U.S. Marine Corp. During his three and a half years of military service, he was part of the military police unit that guarded the main gate entrance at Camp Legeune, NC. After his discharge, he married Rebecca (Bert) Elberta Mills of Waynesville, NC, on July 4, 1952. Bert and Hank made their home in Beloit, WI, where Hank worked at various companies as a machine assembler, tap and dye machine operator, television and antenna repairman, and purchasing agent. In 1971, they moved to Sylva, NC, where he owned and operated the C&W Cabinet and Woodworking shop with his brother-in-law for more than twenty years. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed many years of travel and visited all fifty states. Hank and Bert celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on July 4, 2012. Mr. Speich taught in the children's Sunday School Department at First Baptist Church for twenty-four years and served as a Deacon for several terms. He is survived by his wife, Bert; brother, Alfred Speich; sister, Alice Broege; two children: Lane Speich and spouse Vickie; Rhonda Furr and spouse James; two grandchildren, Derrick Rogers and Devin Rogers and spouse, Desiree, and three great-grandchildren: Cadence, Nathanial and Avina. Family visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18, 2013 at the Appalachian Funeral Services and Crematorium, 165 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC (828-586-2444). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at the First Baptist Church, Sylva (669 W. Main Street) with Rev. Jeff Mathis, presiding. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Henry Speich to the “New Building Multi-media Equipment Fund, First Baptist Church” 669 W. Main Street, Sylva NC 28779 (828-586-2095).