A.W. Speake, 57, of Adams, Tenn., died Thursday, August 26, 2010, at Williamson County Medical Center.  Burial in Crest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery in rural Claremont with Reverend Chip Hunter officiating. A Celebration of Life held following the burial at the home of Dave and Mary Brooks.

Mr. Speake was born February 11, 1953, in Gainesville, Texas, the son of James Tarver Speake and Charlene Rodgers Speake. He attended Olney Central College and graduated in 1973. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University in 1976. He was a tennis professional and head tennis coach at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tenn. He led his team to win the state championship this year. He also was a member of the United States Tennis Association and an official weather spotter for Tennessee.

Mr. Speake is survived by his wife, Martha Speake, and a sister, Mary Speake Brooks (Dave Brooks), of Olney; two special nieces, Kylee Brooks (Ian Runyon) and Mia Brooks Vieregge (Scott Vieregge); one stepson, Stephen Allensworth (Kimberly) and their daughter, Grace Allensworth.

He was passionate about people and affected countless lives through his tennis profession.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)