Mike and Leanne Speight

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the families of Mike and Leanne Speight announce the passing of their fun-loving, outgoing father, grandfather, brother and friends, Michael Clark Speight and the love of his life, Leanne Merritt Speight.  

Mike and Leanne were both tragically killed in an automobile accident on the morning of February 25, 2023, traveling together, on their way to offer comfort to another family.

Mike was born on February 27, 1959, in Hawkinsville to the late Margaret Jones Speight and Joseph Daniel Speight.  He was a 1977 graduate of Fullington Academy and continued his education at ABAC in Tifton.  For 16 years, Mike worked with Unadilla Wholesale Company, his family's business.  He then continued his passion of working with the public by contributing 21 years of his life to community banking, serving as a director of Citizens Bank and also working in Flag Bank, RBC, State Bank and Trust, Calumet Bank and Colony Bank.  After a successful career in banking, Mike enjoyed a brief retirement; however, his always gregarious personality was calling him back into the work force.  His last two years were in the barbecue industry, working with Mixon Products as wholesale sales manager, "covering the world with sauces and rubs."

Fun, friendly and light-hearted would be the perfect description for Mike, but he was also extremely athletic and competitive.  He put 100% into the various sports he played and was an avid racer, including owning various race cars and trucks. 

In addition, Mike was a man of faith, being a member and former deacon of Vienna First Baptist Church.  More recently, he and Leanne attended Rosemont Baptist Church in LaGrange.

Mike is survived by his sons, Greg Speight (Lauren) of Unadilla, Kevin Speigt of Unadilla and Andy Speight (Christie) of Tallahassee, FL; his daughter, Merritt Speight of Atlanta; his brother, Dan Speight (Robby) of Pinehurst; his sister, Ann Speight Daw of Unadilla; his grandchildren, Lilly Pierce, Drew Speight and Cullen Speight; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leanne was born on March 7, 1964, in Albany to the late Lee and Juanita Pyle Merritt.  She was a 1982 graduate of Monroe High School and earned her Associates Degree in Marketing from Albany Technical College in 1984.  Leann was in the wholesale food service business for more than 15 years, working at Merritt Brokerage Company, ACC Frozen Foods, W J Powell and Glover Foods.  She loved all her customers and was a true saleswoman.  She was a homemaker for several years and then began her own business, The Painter's Pallett as an interior decorator.  Once she moved to LaGrange, she began a small business decorating Christmas trees and homes for the holidays.  Her skills as a decorator and designer were impeccable and she was loved by all her clients.

She is survived by her children, Merritt Speight, Greg Speight (Lauren), Kevin Speight and Andy Speight (Christie); her sisters, Maria Merritt Smith and Julie Merritt Massey (Chris); her nieces and nephews, Ethan Smith (Anna Beth), Marlee Smith, Emilyn Scott and Camden Scott.

Mike and Leanne were married in 1995 and enjoyed 27 wonderful years together. They loved each other with all their hearts and their love for each other was beyond compare.  They lived life to the fullest and were always the life of the party.  They both loved hard and gave their all to their family and friends.  They were truly each other's soulmate and left this earth together and are now rejoicing together with our Lord and Savior.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 3 pm Tuesday, February 28 in Vienna First Baptist Church with Rev. Jamey Hunt officiating. 

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service in Providence Hall of Vienna First Baptist Church.

A private interment service for family only will take place later at Walnut Cemetery in Unadilla where Mike and Leanne will be buried.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at 2 pm Saturday, March 4 at Rosemont Baptist Church, 3794 Hamilton Road, LaGrange.  Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation in their memory to the charity of your choice.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Unadilla has charge of arrangements.

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