Emmitt Speights Obituary (1933 - 2015)

Emmitt Speights, 82, of Texas City, passed away at home on Thursday, November 26th, 2015. He was born in Austin, Texas on March 1st, 1933 to Frank and Mildred Speights. He had an older sister, Dorothy and in 1938 Geraldine, his younger sister, joined the family. Emmitt attended Texas City High School and was active in sports. He was accomplished on both the track and softball teams. He also lettered as a kicker for the Texas City High School Stingrays. He survived the 1947 Texas City Disaster. He joined the survivors and was featured in a front page picture and article in 'The County' newspaper in 2009. Following his father's military service, Emmitt's patriotic side led him to enlist in the United States Marines. He served proudly and received an honorable discharge. After high school and serving in the Marines, Emmitt married in 1951. Emmitt had two sons. Billy was born in 1952 followed by Neil in 1954. During this time, he worked with his father, Frank, in the family business. After his father's death in 1961, he joined the Texas City Police Department. In the late 1960s he left the police department to take a job at Amoco Chemical. He continued at Amoco until he retired. Emmitt survived the death of his mother, Mildred Speights, in 1981. He later survived the death of his older sister Dorothy Mauder and his younger sister, Geraldine Graham. Dorothy gave Emmitt two nephews, Mickey Mauder of Michigan, who survives him and Kenneth Mauder who preceded him in death. Geraldine Graham gave him another nephew, Robert Graham of Texas, who survives Emmitt. He is survived by two sons, Bill Speights and Neil Speights (Sue). Bill had two daughters, Teresa Allemang (John) and Leah Dalton (Kyle). Emmitt is survived by his great grandchildren through Teresa, Kyle Hillman, Megan Speights, Madelynn Speights, and Caithryn Grace. He is also survived by great grandchildren through Leah, Harrison Dalton and Lennon Dalton. Neil (Sue) gave him two grandchildren, Janna Speights (Scott Wolfe) and Reid Speights (Leann). Emmitt is survived by his great grandchildren through Reid, T. J. Speights and Emily Speights. He is also survived by a great grandchild through Janna, Karley Wolfe. He is also survived by his long-time girlfriend and caregiver until the end, Dorothy Kohl. Emmitt was an automobile enthusiast. He raced stock cars and participated in drag racing. In drag racing, he was successful in winning countless trophies. Emmitt was a self-educated, successful entrepreneur. He conceived, built and successfully managed several businesses. These included a vending machine business, S&S Alarm Service and more recently a self-storage facility. Emmitt was also a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association. He was a gun enthusiast and, through competitions, won many marksmanship trophies. Because of his knowledge, experience and respect for firearms, he was considered an expert in the field. His wealth of knowledge encompassed handguns and rifles. Additionally, he kept expanding his knowledge of historic and collectable firearms. Emmitt had many passions and hobbies. He was a member of social groups and loved to dance. His interest in photography made him an accomplished photographer. He had a talent for cooking and was a master at making barbeque. His love of the activity was obvious. His forte was barbecue brisket and sausage using his own barbecue sauce formula. Emmitt was born, raised and left this earth in Texas. He loved football, John Wayne movies and country western music. He loved Texas and always being a proud, native Texan. Guests are invited to share in the Celebration of Life Visitation for Emmitt from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 11th, 2015 at Carnes Funeral Home -Texas City, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas 77591.