CW3 (Ret.) Steven W. Speights

CW3 (Ret.) Steven W. Speights, age 52, a long time resident of Ozark, passed away on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family at his side. Funeral services will be held at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark on Oct. 19, 2007, at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 5:30 p.m. until service time. Interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell, Fla. Family request the omission of flowers and that memorial contributions be given to Wiregrass Hospice, P.O. Drawer 2127, Dothan, AL 36302. Steven was born on Feb. 4, 1955, to the late Howard F. Speights and the late Emma Lou Morris Speights in Atlanta, Ga. Steven graduated from South Cobb High School, Austell, Ga., in 1973 and enlisted in the United States Army where he served 27 years. His overseas assignments include two tours to Italy, Korea, Hawaii and Egypt, retiring at Fort Rucker in March 2005 as a CH-47 SIP/IFE. His military awards include Master Aviator Wings, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (3rd Award), Korea Defense Services Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award), Multinational Force and Observers Medal (2nd Award). Steven then went to work for Lear Siegler Services as an instrument flight instructor on Fort Rucker. Steven earned both a Bachelors and a Masters Degree from Emory Riddle University. Steven is survived by his devoted wife, Linda, and his loving son, Isreal Caine Speights, daughter-in-law, Colleen, and beloved grandson, Arlo, of Edmonds, Wash. He is also survived by his brothers, David Speights and Howard F. Speights Jr., both of Atlanta, Ga., along with nieces, a nephew and numerous cousins. Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, (334) 774-4551, is in charge of arrangements.