April 30, 1956 – May 30, 2026
A service to celebrate Randy’s life will be held Friday at 2 pm in the Brownfield First Baptist Church sanctuary. An informal visitation will follow immediately at the church.
James Randall “Randy” Speed, 70, of Maryville, TN, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026. Randy was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was marked by dedication, integrity, and adventure.
Born on April 30, 1956 in Lubbock, TX, Randy was the son of Merlin and Janie Speed. He grew up in Brownfield, TX where he discovered his love for flight at a young age. As a teen, Randy worked at the Terry County airport to pay for flight lessons and went on to pursue a distinguished career in aviation. Randy operated the first air ambulance service in the Permian Basin, later becoming a corporate pilot, and ultimately an accomplished commercial airline captain. He took great pride in his work and was highly respected by colleagues for his professionalism, skill, and calm presence in the cockpit. Flying was more than a career to Randy- it was his lifelong passion. In 1994, Randy was at the helm of a TWA airliner upon takeoff from a St. Louis runway, averting certain catastrophe and saving the lives of all 140 passengers. For his heroic actions, Randy received the TWA Award of Excellence and Superior Airmanship Award from the Airline pilots Association. As a junior pilot, Randy was quickly promoted as one of the carrier’s youngest captains.
Beyond his flying career, Randy had a gift for working with horses and was a master craftsman in woodwork. He loved time with his family and making memories on hundreds of flights around the world. He and his wife, Pamela enjoyed many adventures together in their motorhome and time with their grandchildren in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Randy will long be remembered for his love and loyalty to family and friends. His life reflected a determined faith in Christ, and through many trials, he found strength and peace in his relationship with the Lord.
He is survived by wife, Pamela; son, Travis; daughter, Ashley (Brandon); grandchildren, Grace and Colt; brothers, Mark (Cathy), Mike (Kema), sister, Karla Joplin (Jerry); and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by Dad, Merlin Speed; granddaughter, Braylee; and nephew, Braden.
Randy will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to https://bradensvoice.org/ .
To send flowers in memory, please visit our flower store.
