Wayne County Press
April 1946

William Eli Speagle, Wayne county farmer, died last Friday at the home of his brother, Mose Speagle, in Johnsonville, after two weeks of illness. He was 73 years, five months and 27 days old.

Mr. Speagle was born near Johnsonville, Oct. 29, 1872, the son of G.S. and Susan Speagle. He grew to manhood and spent the greater part of his life near the place of his birth.

His life work was that of a farmer and for many years he had been one of the highly respected citizens of the Hazel Dell district. For many years he made his home with his aged mother and cared for her in the declining years of her life until she passed away about ten years ago. He spent the last five years with his brother and family.

He leaves to mourn his passing, one brother, Mose; one sister, Mrs. Cora Brown of Cisne, and several nieces and nephews One sister preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted from the family home Sunday at two o’clock by Elder Lewis DeSelms. Interment was in the Russell cemetery.

A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.