John Ervin Speaks, Sr., age 66, formerly of Selma, passed away July 30, 2012 at Queens Hospital, London, England following a brief illness. Mr. Speaks was preceded in death by his parents, Ross Barton Speaks and Essie Mae Neese Speaks, sister Sally Speaks LaGrone, and daughter Susan Speaks Saxon. He is survived by son John E. Speaks, Jr. of Sylacauga and daughter Stormie Leigh Speaks of Helena, AL, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A Remembrance Reception will be held in his honor on August 31, 2012, from 11-1 p.m. in the Old Archives Room, 2nd Floor, Alabama State Capitol , Montgomery, AL. Guests may enter the building from Washington Avenue, Avenue of Flags entrance.