News Summary
Sam E Speed, Jr., a beloved mathematics educator and community figure, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for his dedication to teaching at the University of Memphis and active involvement in Germantown, Speed made significant contributions to education and local initiatives. His passion for knowledge and commitment to service will be remembered by students and community members alike. A memorial service will be held in his honor, encouraging contributions to the Germantown Kiwanis Club and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
Germantown, TN – Longtime Resident and Educator Sam E Speed, Jr. Passes Away at 87
Sam E Speed, Jr., a longtime resident of Germantown and a respected mathematics educator, passed away peacefully on May 13 at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness. His contributions to education and the community have left a lasting impact on many lives.
Born and raised in East Tennessee, Speed graduated from East High School before pursuing studies in mathematics and engineering at the college level. He gained valuable experience as an employee at Lockheed Martin, working in both Los Angeles, California, and Bristol, Tennessee. Later in life, Speed returned to his family home in Germantown to support his mother during her later years.
Speed spent a significant part of his professional life teaching mathematics at the University of Memphis, where he was known for his commitment to teaching and research. His expertise in number theory earned him an Erdös number of 2, indicating that he co-authored academic works with the renowned mathematician Paul Erdös through Dr. Cecil Rousseau. His dedication to the field of mathematics extended beyond the classroom and into the realm of research, where he published numerous papers.
After retiring from academia, Speed remained active in the Germantown community through his involvement with the Germantown Kiwanis Club. He was passionate about tutoring children, particularly at Germantown Elementary School, where his efforts were recognized in the club’s newsletter. He was also present for significant community events, such as the grand opening of the Memphis Voyage Solar System scale model at the University of Memphis campus and an astrophysics play called Silent Sky at Theatre Memphis.
Sam’s love for science was clear, as he often engaged with educational materials from PBS, Science News, Scientific American, and National Geographic, even during his illness. He never missed an annual July 4th block party, emphasizing the importance of community with unwavering commitment, especially for his mother before she passed away.
In addition to his academic and community contributions, Speed was noted for leading a healthy lifestyle, having walked two miles daily for many years. He shared his home with neighborhood cats, including Alpha and Simba, showing his love for animals and the connection he had with his surroundings. His kindness extended to his church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, founded by his grandfather in 1901, where he actively participated and invited friends to join him.
His warmth and empathy were evident when he invited a friend to accompany him during a prayer visit from his priest while he was ill. Many neighbors fondly recalled his thoughtful nature and expressed gratitude for the positive influence he had on their lives.
Speed was predeceased by his parents, Sam E Speed, Sr. and Mary Beth Chambers Speed Pate, as well as his sister, Rosalind Speed. He is survived by his brother, Charles A Speed (Jane), nephews Jason Speed (Valerie) and Nelson Totah (Frederike), nieces Kelli Speed (Anthony) and Shannon Speed, along with three grand-nephews and a grand-niece.
A memorial service to honor Sam E Speed, Jr. will be held on Tuesday, June 10 at 4:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Memorial contributions can be made to either Holy Trinity Episcopal Church or the Germantown Kiwanis Club, honoring his legacy of service and dedication to education.
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