Jack Ellis (Bud) Speed Jr. passed away on April 7, 2026, at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida.

His Memorial Service will be Sunday, April 19, at 3:00 PM with visitation one hour prior to service, at Tabernacle Church, 6015 Tabernacle Rd, Ethelsville AL. Pastor Matt Winters officiating and 1st cousin Steve Shackelford assisting.

Bud was born on June 7, 1963, in Columbus, MS, to the late Jack Ellis Speed and Betty Jones Speed Conn. He spent his childhood in Columbus, MS where he attended New Hope School.

Later the family moved to the Speed Farm in Ethelsville, AL, where he graduated in 1981 from Millport High School. He spent several years in Rocky Mount, NC working for CECO. In 1998 he packed all he owned and with his cat Mary on his shoulder he headed to the Florida Keys. He ultimately resided on Marathon Key with his lifelong friend Lisa Burnette. He spent happy years there. He later moved to West Palm Beach, FL, where he worked at the Palm Beach Post. Ultimately finishing his work career with Cox Enterprises, Inc. He received many awards during his career as a Sr. IT Support Specialist.

The joy of his life was his yard which was an ever- changing work of art. He was famous for his beautiful Bromeliads. Bud and Milton enjoyed 27 years of all that South Florida had to offer.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by step-father, Jack Conn.

He is survived by Milton Araujo; step-mother; Paula Speed; sisters, Lisa Speed Godfrey (Eddy), Debra Speed Crimm, Tammie Speed Parker (David); nieces and nephews, Jolynne Robertson, Jacklyn Humphres, Jed Hickman, Emily Webb, Tracy Weathers, Diana Stapp, Hunter Crimm, Zackery Parker, Lucas Parker, Megan Franks; also great-nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins.

Memorials may be made to Tabernacle Church Cemetery Fund, 954 Bains Road, Ethelsville, AL 35461.