James "Rocky" Rockford Speaks

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Mr. James Rockford (Rocky, Rock, James or Bud for friends) Speaks, age 68 of Hays left this earth for his heavenly home Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at his home. 

Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Pastor Kent Wood officiating with Masonic Rites given by Traphill Masonic Lodge #483.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 PM prior to the service at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. 

Rocky was born January 22, 1958, in Wilkes County to Bergie C. Speaks, Jr. and Doris Lyon Speaks.  He attended First Light Church in Hays.  Rocky graduated from North Wilkes High School Class of 1976.  He was an Eagle Scout and member of the Traphill Masonic Lodge #483.  

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends and helping people.  His love for his children and grandchildren was always evident in his conversations and priorities. If you knew him, you knew how much he liked to tell stories about events and people.  He was an avid hunter and his life was full of adventures that he cherished and enjoyed sharing with others.  He had many skills working as a mechanic, he worked in maintenance at Stone Mountain State Park, ran a sand dredging operation, and worked at LP.  He finished his working career with R.W. Eagle.  His stories and wealth of knowledge will be missed by all. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepson; Nathan Mullis. 

He is survived by his wife; Debbie Mullis Speaks, daughters; Summer S. Bauguess (Jimmy Bauguess) Autumn Speaks (Fred Akman), stepdaughter; Emily Mullis Reid (Travis Reid).  Grandchildren; Brooklyn, Cora and Natalie Bauguess, Willow Akman.  Bonus grandchildren; Ella and Jackson Reid.  Sisters; Teresa S. Wood (Kent Wood) of Roaring River, Starlene S. Wood (Scott Wood) of Roaring River, Kenna S. Phillips (Brad Phillips) of Swansboro and a brother; Bergie C. Speaks, III (Sharon Speaks) of Ronda.  

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to; Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 or Shriners Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. 

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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