Rev. Ernest William Speaks, 69, of Statesville, N.C., died Saturday, October 2, 2021. He was born in Iredell County on November 19, 1951, to Margaret Turner Reavis and the late Gurney Speaks.

Rev. Speaks loved the Lord and preaching His Word. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting and talking about the Bible with his family and friends. He had a giving heart and loved to raise a huge garden so that he could share with everyone. It was not unusual for him to stop what he was doing just to help someone in need. The family wasn’t sure that he really enjoyed working on cars, but he spent quite a lot of time doing just that. He loved his family dearly and always wanted the best for them.

Those left to cherish his memory are two sons, Ernest Speaks Jr. and Joey Speaks; two brothers, Marvin Speaks and Roger Speaks (Ann); a sister, Dianne Lassiter (Bill), and two granddaughters, Destiny Speaks and Kaitlyn Speaks.

A Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Rev. Speaks will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Victory Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites. The family will visit with friends and family from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials be given to any local nursing home to help with resident’s care. This was very dear to Rev. Speaks’ heart.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Speaks family.