Fred Dennis Speight, Jr.

Fred Dennis Speight Jr. passed away December 27, 2025. He was born November 10, 1947 in Tampa, FL to Fred Dennis Speight and Alma Godwin Speight. Denny was preceded in death by his Paternal Grand Parents; Charles and Nora Bates Speight who came from England in 1907 to Tiger Bay Florida and later Fort Meade Florida, Maternal Grand Parents; Alfie Benjamin Godwin and Lessie Hollingsworth Godwin, Maternal Great Grand Parents; Aaron Elijah Godwin and Julia Ann Guy Godwin. He is survived by his Brothers, Ben Speight (Cecilia) and Tracy Speight (Leila) and Sister, Julie Speight (Dwight).

Denny was very proud of his Florida Pioneer Family roots and lived all his adult life on the Family ranch (Shady Oaks). He moved to Shady Oaks Ranch and Fish Camp when he was about 16 and was a local fixture around the Shady Oaks Store telling jokes, pulling pranks, and visiting with anyone and everyone who was there. His weakness was Budweiser beer, Redman Chewing tobacco, and a somewhat lack of patience which would usually turn into some form of a flurry of bad words.

His passion in life was of course the beer and tobacco, along with his horses, hog dogs, cow dogs, hunting , fishing, driving his old truck or jeep around the ranch and driving his airboat around Lake Kissimmee. His first horse was a cracker horse named Jim (faster than greased lighting) and his first and favorite hunting dog was Old Duke, (best Nose ever) a Redbone, Bluetick, and Black and tan cross, both of which he got from our Dads’ dear friend Joe Germany!

A formal education was not his thing, but he learned all he needed by his experiences on the ranch. His memory of names, dates, and places was unparalleled, his quick wit was unmatched, his laugh was loud and he was loved by all who knew him. He was blessed! In the end, God was good to Denny, he passed peacefully in his sleep. He will remain in our hearts forever!

A Celebration of Denny's Life will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:30 am at Starling Ranch Barn On The Lake, 8757 McCoy Road in Fort Meade, FL, a BBQ lunch will be served.  Memorial contributions may be made to your chairity of choice, help someone in need or visit someone in the nursing home. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com