Former Camp Director Passes Away

James Speer, 78 of Carthage, Texas, passed away Nov. 3. He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he sang in the Churchman Quartet, served in the AWANA program for over 30 years and taught the Adult 3 Sunday School class for 40 years.

He received his Associate of Arts degree from Central Baptist College. In 2014, he was honored as CBC’s Distinguished Alumnus of the year, an honor for an individual who has served their community for more than 20 years.

He held ministerial positions in youth, music and pastorate in many churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas. He served as the Executive Director of the Daniels Springs Encampment in Gary, Texas for 36 years. He ended his career working for Carthage Independent School District as the OCS (Occupational Course of Study) program director, again serving the youth of his community.

Survivors include: his wife of 57 years, the former Barbara Kay Miller; two daughters, Kim (Paul) Turner of Carthage and Tammy (Robert) Ramm of Arlington, Texas; four brothers, Don (Carolyn) Speer of Rogers, Charles (Linda) Speer of Little Rock, David (Angela) Speer of Conway, Ben (Melissa) Speer of Olive Branch, Miss.; a sister, Mary (Dale) Ceren of Spring, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Speer of Coffeyville, Kan. and Jan Speer of Rison; four grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

A memorial service was held Nov. 9 at First Baptist Church in Carthage with Dr. Allen Tilley officiating.

Memorials may be made Daniels Springs Encampment (P.O. Box 310, Gary, Texas 75643) or the GIMP (Go In My Place) fund at First Baptist Church of Carthage (256 S. Market St., Carthage, Texas 75633).