Julius Cecil Speaks, 67, of Statesville, N.C., died Saturday, April 25, 2020, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Born in Iredell County on July 14, 1952, he was a son of the late Ed Curtis Speaks and Tessie Bennett Speaks.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and his very special friend, Gilbert Dillard. He was retired as a foreman from Southern States.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Lou Speaks Huffman, and a special brother-in-law, Allen Williams.

Survivors include his daughter, Tamela Speaks (Keith Maples); and two granddaughters, Elizabeth Renee Baxter (Stephen) and Bridget Nicole Starnes. Also surviving are great grandchildren Lucas Baxter, Scarlett Baxter, Colton Williams, Laurence Williams, and Savannah Starnes. Additional survivors include two brothers, Billy Speaks (Bobby Jo) and Richard Speaks (Pat), and two sisters, Denise Williams and Almedia Campbell (Charles). Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Private services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. The family requests no flowers, and rather that memorials be given to the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Avenue Suite 100, Charlotte, N.C. 28207.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.