Mr. Roy Merrill Speer
  • Hope Children's Home - 11415 Hope International Dr. - Tampa, FL 33625 or www.hopechildrenshome.org
  • Calvary Baptist Church

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Memories & Candles

“I am saddened by the news of "uncle" Roy's passing. He always brought a smile to our faces when we were kids. While I have not seen him in too many...Read More »
1 of 52 | Posted by: Luay Abu-Ghazaleh - Amman, Jordan

“I send my deepiest sympathy to the family of Mr Roy Speer. ”
2 of 52 | Posted by: Donna Nance - roanoke, VA

“I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and yours... ”
3 of 52 | Posted by: Missy Jackson - Gallatin , TN

“Goodby my friend. ”
4 of 52 | Posted by: A Jay Cristol - Miami, FL

“My Prayers go out to the family & friends of the family. ”
5 of 52 | Posted by: Peggy Clark - Pinellas Park, FL

“I did not know Mr. Speer but recently started working for HSN. Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends. ”
6 of 52 | Posted by: Mike Knight - Blacksburg, VA

“From all of us employees of HSN Travel from 1988-1994 thank you for the vision, the opportunity, the support you and Lisa gave us the bonds we formed...Read More »
7 of 52 | Posted by: Sylvia Uhrig - Tampa, FL

“God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "Come to Me." I wanted to take this moment to pay...Read More »
8 of 52 | Posted by: Sherry Jackson-Alton - Dallas, TX

“Dear Lynnda and Richard, It was our hope to be standing with you this morning and surrounding you with our love and friendship as we say thank you...Read More »
9 of 52 | Posted by: Chris and Sherri Hollyman - MO

“I had the privilege of doing business with Roy and HSN for more than 10 years. It was an exciting time in my life that I will always look back on...Read More »
10 of 52 | Posted by: Carol Richardson - Largo, FL

“It was with great honor and pleasure that I got to care for Roy. As a hospice nurse, each person you meet and their family touches you in some way....Read More »
11 of 52 | Posted by: Darlynn Garczynski - Tampa, FL

“Lynnda, I'm so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and the children. Sandy ”
12 of 52 | Posted by: Sandy Bakke - St. Petersburg, FL

“My deepest condolences. I'll always fondly remember the experience of knowing Roy Speer ”
13 of 52 | Posted by: Bob Townsend - Atlanta, GA

“Dear Lynnda and family, My prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the grace and strength of our heavenly Father be yours today and...Read More »
14 of 52 | Posted by: Alan Harkey - Simpsonville, SC

“RIP, Roy. You meant a great deal to me and I will always remember your kindness and generosity towards me. You were constantly in my thoughts and...Read More »
15 of 52 | Posted by: George Simone - Las Vegas, NV

“I still remember like yesterday walking into a tiny studio on Hercules Blvd in Clearwater and sitting on a sofa for hours until someone interviewed...Read More »
16 of 52 | Posted by: Bobbi Ray Carter

“I offer my sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the Speer family and closest friends. I remember working at one of the HSN distribution centers in the...Read More »
17 of 52 | Posted by: Tina (Battista) Bartunek - OR

“To Speer Family, Please accept my condolences for your loss of Mr. Speer. We never met but as a HSN employee I am grateful for his vison that...Read More »
18 of 52 | Posted by: Carole Williams - Clearwater, FL

“Lynnda and the Speer family, Roy gave us a reason to smile, we remember the conversations with Roy and how he would end them with his satisfied...Read More »
19 of 52 | Posted by: Brian and Linda Burek - Tampa, FL

“I came here 25 years ago, scared to death ! I am still here at HSN. Thanks so much Mr. Speer And YES, YOU DID BUILD THIS ! ”
20 of 52 | Posted by: Ruth Feller - Saint Petersburg, FL

“Roy was a man with special vision and untiring energy, Linda was the wind beneath his wings. Love to all, our prayers are with you, Kathy & Brian ”
21 of 52 | Posted by: Kathy & Brian Decker - FL

“I started at HSN 1986 and always enjoyed Mr. Roy Speer. He was a great leader and a gentleman. May your family have peace at this very sad time. You...Read More »
22 of 52 | Posted by: Nannette Cobb - St petersburg, FL

“Dear Lynnda and Family, I am so sad to hear of your loss. I worked for Roy in 1985 at HSC. I am so proud of his accomplishments in starting this...Read More »
23 of 52 | Posted by: Sue Merrill (West) - Largo, FL

“Lynda- Nicole and I were so sorry to hear of Roy's passing. I have fond memories of Roy as far back as a child when I used to visit his office...Read More »
24 of 52 | Posted by: Greg Baker - Tampa, FL - Friend

“I was so sorry to hear of Roy's passing. He was always so nice to me when I saw him at work. My condolences to you Lynnda, and your family. May...Read More »
25 of 52 | Posted by: Yvonne Haller - Homosassa, FL

“Dear Lynnda, Janie and I will hold you in our prayers. For whatever reason, you and Roy became very good friends to us. Through the years i...Read More »
26 of 52 | Posted by: Al and Jane Tedder - Spring Hill, FL

“Lisa, you have been a dear friend for many years and Sal and I love you and your family! So sorry for the loss of your beloved dad.We always felt how...Read More »
27 of 52 | Posted by: Sal and Karyn Ingrande - St. pete, FL

“God bless him and my condolences to the family. ”
28 of 52 | Posted by: Kamy Mansoorian - Odessa, FL

“My sincere condolences to the the entire Speer family. Roy was a blessing in my life. I was grateful to have been his massage therapist for 22 years....Read More »
29 of 52 | Posted by: Tammy Pellegrini - Largo, FL

“Condolences to Roy's wife Lynnda,his son Richard and the entire Speer family. Roy was instrumental in the formation of Comfort Suites Paradise...Read More »
30 of 52 | Posted by: Bill & Eltha Naughton

“My sincere condolences. ”
31 of 52 | Posted by: Betty Ramsey - Anna Maria, FL

“Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. I would like to express my condolences to the family. ”
32 of 52 | Posted by: Bernadette Chandler - Kissimee, FL

“Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Speer family, Mrs. Speer,Richard, and Lisa during this hard time.Although I did not know Mr.Speer very well,I...Read More »
33 of 52 | Posted by: Michael & Cat Whitehurst - FL

“Many condolences to your family at this difficult time. ”
34 of 52 | Posted by: Tom Eck - Kissimmee, FL

“I had the privilege of working with Roy occasionally during his and Lynnda's ownership of utilities for over 30 years. Roy was a brilliant man and...Read More »
35 of 52 | Posted by: Marty Deterding - Tallahassee, FL

“Roy, you are a rough and tumble genius.You changed the world of retail forever. You touched the lives of millions you never knew. You helped hundreds...Read More »
36 of 52 | Posted by: Dr. Jack and Erika Barrett - FL

“To Lynnda and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Roy's legacy to the community and to his family will be remembered for...Read More »
37 of 52 | Posted by: Randy Andersen - Lakeland, FL

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Roy. We count many blessings for having known Roy and to have worked with him. His demand for perfection...Read More »
38 of 52 | Posted by: Michael Dowling - Windermere, FL

“Without Roy Speer, and his trust and belief in me, there never would have been a "Discount Dan." I have been blessed to have spent my last 27 years ...Read More »
39 of 52 | Posted by: Dan Dennis - Sun City Center, FL

“Godspeed We had some great up and downs You will be remembered by those that knew you. ”
40 of 52 | Posted by: Joseph Cash - Hudson, FL

“Our prayers are with you and the family Lynnda. You are loved and we send our heartfelt condolances. ”
41 of 52 | Posted by: Nancy Hawblitzel - Orlando, FL

“My heart goes out to Mrs. Speer, Richard and Lisa. Roy was the most intense and dynamic man I have ever known. My life is better having known him. ...Read More »
42 of 52 | Posted by: John Thomas - Tokyo, Japan

“Lynnda and family: As some of you know, since 1958, Roy has been a part of my life and the lives of my parents. We met while attending Stetson Law,...Read More »
43 of 52 | Posted by: Elizabeth A. Kovachevich - Tampa, FL

“Mr. Speer was a very given man. He gave me and many more a chance of a life time to be involved and grow with a company (HSN) that was beyond what...Read More »
44 of 52 | Posted by: Debra Vincent Watson - Largo, FL

“Our family is lifting up Lynnda and her family in our daily prayers. Roy will be missed. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this time of...Read More »
45 of 52 | Posted by: Michael Hurka - Colorado Springs, CO

“Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Speers and the family. Roy was a big help to The Angelus, beginning with HSN. His generosity in many of our...Read More »
46 of 52 | Posted by: Pauline Shaver - Hudson, FL

“My condolences go out to the entire Speer family for the loss of a very dynamic man. Thanks to him, I had many successes at HSN. ”
47 of 52 | Posted by: Greg Leavell - Tampa, FL

“At this time of sorrow, May these truths sustain you... Your loved one will always be as close as a memory, and the God of all comfort will...Read More »
48 of 52 | Posted by: Cardrone & Kimberly Nixon - GA

“We are so sorry to hear that our dear friend has passed on. Roy gave my wife Tina Berry an opportunity to be a Show Host on HSC/HSN, and that changed...Read More »
49 of 52 | Posted by: Tyrone Berry - Tarpon Springs, FL

“OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS GO OUT TO LYNNDA, LISA RICHARD & THE GRAND KIDDS. GOD BLESS, RAY & NANCY MURRAY ”
50 of 52 | Posted by: RAY & NANCY MURRAY - CLEARWATER, FL

“I send my condolences to Lynnda, Richard and Lisa. Roy loved the art of business and the outdoors. Perfection and graciousness was his style. He...Read More »
51 of 52 | Posted by: Patrick Sheppard - FL - friend

“I was saddened to hear of Roy's passing. My condolences go out to Linda and all of Roy's family. ”
52 of 52 | Posted by: David Porter - Green Cove Springs, FL


With great sadness and heavy hearts, the family remembers Roy Merrill Speer, born on June 23, 1932 in Key West, Florida who passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2012.

Roy earned an under graduate degree from Southern Methodist University and subsequently attended Stetson University College of Law where he received his bachelor's degree in law.

Best known for the creation of Home Shopping Channel in 1982 with his friend, Bud Paxson, which took the retail industry to a new level, Roy Speer will always be known as an innovative visionary.

Prior to Home Shopping, Roy was an industrious entrepreneur and businessman. His background includes serving as Special Assistant Attorney General, Chief Lobbyist for the City of St. Petersburg, Assistant State Attorney for Pinellas County, founder of Aloha Utilities in Pasco County, numerous ventures in U. S. real estate and multiple international endeavors.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lynnda L. Speer, three children Robert R. Speer, Richard Merrill Speer, Lisa Lynn Scherer, eight grandchildren, Robert R. Speer Jackson, Matthew R. Speer, Ashley N. Speer, Lacy L. Scherer, J. C. Scherer, Stoll M. Speer, Richard Grant Speer, Sophia F. Speer, one great-grandchild, Grant Speer Jackson, a sister, Allene Vasile, and brother, David B. Porch.

He will be remembered as a dynamic man who touched thousands of lives in his own special way.

Service
10:00 A.M., Saturday
August 25th, 2012
Calvary Baptist Church
110 N. McMullen Booth Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33759

Funeral Home and Interment
Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home
2860 Sunset Point Road
Clearwater, FL. 33759

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Children's Home, 11415 Hope International Drive, Tampa, Florida 33625. Website: www.hopechildrenshome.org