John Thomas Speight Endowed Scholarship Fund

John Thomas Speight was a native of Greene County, North Carolina. He was born Nov. 3, 1910, to the late John Thomas and Cherry Speight. In 1931, he married the late Mable Edwards Speight. Three children were born to this union: Velma, Doris and Benjamin.

Speight resided in Snow Hill, North Carolina. He was a retired farmer and he was employed by the Greene County Sheriff's Department, Greene County Public Schools and Maynard Hicks. One of his most enjoyable assignments while working with Hicks was barbecuing for the late U.S. Senator Sam Ervin.

Speight had an impressive work ethic and his life exemplified that a person should always do more than is required. His favorite saying was, "Always give a good day’s work if you expect to be paid." He transmitted those important values to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who knew him as a strong disciplinarian who disciplined with his eyes.

Speight was a member of Friendship Freewill Baptist Church for many years, where he had the distinction of being the oldest deacon.

A man of few words, Speight was straightforward and honest, with his word being his bond. He was respected by all who knew him. He died June 26, 2000.

He was an Honorary Aggie and was committed to North Carolina A&T State University through his daughter, Dr. Velma Speight.

John Thomas Speight Scholarship Criteria

Scholarships from the John Thomas Speight Scholarship Endowment Fund will be awarded to deserving students as determined by the University Scholarship Committee based on the criteria cited below. In making the selection, this committee shall consider such attributes as scholarship, leadership, community service, exceptional talent and financial need. The committee shall give special selection consideration to:
• Students with a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Students may major in the School of Education
• Students from Down East, North Carolina

Pledge Form for the John Thomas Speight Endowed Scholarship Fund