George Wendell Speed, age 79, of Charlotte, NC passed away at Novant Hospital in Charlotte on Sunday, January 25, 2015. He was born in Robeson County, NC on August 6, 1935 to the late Thurman and Mantha Brigman Speed. He was a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force for 20 years working in communications. He loved his family, was proud of his military career, was very outgoing, and had a good sense of humor. He was a member of Charlotte's First Baptist Church. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, Jerome Wendell Speed; and a brother, Ivey Jean Speed. Mr. Speed is survived by his wife, Betty Rice Speed of the home; a son, Charles Dwayne Speed (Stacy Brown Speed) of Charlotte; daughters, Beverly Jean Speed of Charlotte and Cynthia Speed Barnhill of Mount Holly; a sister, Ellen LaVene Galavotti of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Charles Ryan Speed, Devyn Leigh Speed, Justin David Barnhill, and Lauren Amber Barnhill; and one great-grandchild, Joseph David Barnhill, Jr. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Floyd Memorial Chapel with Dr. Mark Harris and Pastor Michael Cummings officiating. A time for visitation will follow the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charlotte's First Baptist Church, 301 S. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.