Richard Turner Speller, Jr.., 74, of 1110 Freedom Road, Statesville, died at Iredell Memorial Hospital, Statesville, on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, following an extended illness. He was born in Bertie County on February 13, 1938, and was the son of the late Richard Turner Speller, Sr. and Bettie Freeman Speller. He was married to Linda Leazer Speller, who survives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Queenie Ann Speller, and six brothers, CeCe Freeman, Frank Speller, Sherman Speller, James “Crip” Speller, Johnny Speller and Rufus Speller.

He attended schools in Bertie County. He loved horse shoes, entertaining, racing and loved dressing. He was a member of Miracle Faith Tower.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life in addition to his wife, Linda, are four sons, Richard (Tracy) Speller, III of New Bern, N. C.; Jeffrey (Shaquawn) Ramsey of Statesville, Tony (Dana) Ramsey of Albemarle and Marcus Chambers of Statesville; three daughters, Bettie Moore of Mooresville, April (George) Harris and Doris Speller, both of Statesville; three brothers, David (Sallie) Speller of Charlotte, Robert Speller of Troutman and Herman Speller of Gastonia; three sisters, Rosa Lee Bunch of Ahoskie, Ella Jean (Calvin) Stevenson of Troutman and Brenda Speller of Statesville; and a host of grandchildren, great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at Miracle Faith Towers. Apostle Sylvester Gillespie will officiate and Pastor Charles Davidson will eulogize.

Mr. Speller will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 12:00 noon. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 until 1:00 p.m., but will assemble at the residence at other times.