Willie B. “Tootsie” Speer

Willie B. “Tootsie” Speer was born June 22, 1921 to Willie Boone “Pete” and Nancy Elizabeth (Newsom) Speer. He was born and raised in the small town of Concord and married Ruby Lee Cravey on February 21, 1942. In Concord, they raised their three children, Mary Ainsworth, Phyllis Foley, and Jeff Speer.

He graduated from Concord School and took a job as a mechanic at Daughrty’s Garage. In 1942 he was drafted in the U.S. Army. Tootsie was stationed at Guadalcanal in the Philippines serving until the end of World War II in 1945. He returned to Daughrty’s Garage for a short time before going to work for Keeling Motors in Centerville. In 1959, when Concord, Jewett, and Marquez consolidated into Leon ISD, Tootsie became a mechanic and bus driver for the school. He worked at Leon for 32 years before retiring; it has been said that he is still missed at the school as the top maintenance hand. However, his retirement was short-lived. He immediately began his duties as Ruby Lee’s assistant at the Concord Post Office. He said he didn’t mind waiting on her because she had waited on him for so many years. Upon Ruby Lee’s death in October 2003 he continued his duties at the post office alongside his daughter, Mary. In addition to his work at Leon and at the Post Office, Tootsie was instrumental in the founding of Concord Robbins Water System in 1979. For a period of almost 20 years he and Ruby Lee donated countless hours of service including reading meters, repairing leaks and maintaining the daily operations of the wells and system.

Willie B. Speer passed away on June 13, 2010 at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his three children: Mary Ainsworth and husband James, Phyllis Foley and husband Tommy, and Jeff Speer and wife Robin, grandchildren: Jamie Ainsworth Watson and husband Mike, Connie Ainsworth Spence and husband Charlie, Carla Foley and fiancé, Kevin Hanz, T.J. Foley, Carmen Foley Fritts and husband Eric, Steven Foley, and Shellie Kornegay, great-grandchildren: Jessica Watson Turner and husband Kevin, Corby Watson, Clayton Watson and wife, Chelsea, Ceanne Spence, Jimbo Spence, Charlcee Spence, Jaden Kornegay, and Karter Kornegay, and 2 great-great grandchildren: Lane Watson and Cooper Turner. He is also survived by his brother-inlaw and sister-in-law, Bobby Jack Cravey and Vonda; two sisters-in-law, Opal and Frances Cravey along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Lee; mother and father; three brothers, Phillip Nolan, Travis, and Glynn (Jack) Speer and three sisters, Lourine Lucas, Leone Gartman, and Cival Evans.

Tootsie will always be remembered as a quiet man, who minded his own. Pap- Paw, as he was referred to by most, reminded us all that you could learn a whole lot more by listening than talking. He was the epitome of a good man, one of few words, with a wonderful smile and loving heart. He enjoyed checking the cows with Jeff and dancing more than anything. When he wasn’t doing those things you could find him perched on Phyllis’ porch watching the cars, enjoying the breeze, and chewing his Beech-Nut. On Saturday nights when the VFW hosted any band, you couldn’t keep Mr. Tootsie away; he was either scooting around the dance floor or tapping his fingers to the rhythm. He also liked watching ball games on TV and never missed the Astros or the Rangers. For all of his dancing partners, he says thanks for the dance but as of now he is busy dancing away with Mam-Maw. He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services for Mr. “Tootsie” were held at 2 PM, Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at the Walters Funeral Home in Centerville. Bro. Billy Bob Evans officiated and burial followed in the Concord Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Mike Watson, Charlie Spence, T.J. Foley, Steven Foley, Corby Watson, Clayton Watson, Jimbo Spence, Eric Fritts and Kevin Turner.

Please visit www.waltersfuneralhome. com to sign the online guestbook and view the video memorial tribute.