William Marcell Speed's Obituary
William Marcell Speed, affectionately known as “Bill” or “Speed,” was born on November 7, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to William and Robbie (Drake) Speed. He departed this life on December 25, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and cultural impact.
Bill’s passion for music and storytelling was sparked early, inspired by his family’s vibrant discussions about politics, Black life, and the arts. He discovered a love for journalism as a teenager, watching his older brother Bob write for the Pittsburgh Courier.
A proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Bill served in the United States Navy, advancing to Seaman 1st Class and assisting in dentistry. While in the Navy, he found his voice as a DJ, spinning R&B hits for recruits as they sailed the world. After his honorable discharge, Bill attended the University of California, Berkeley, and worked part-time as a DJ for KFRC radio, where he created the show “The Way We See It.”
Bill’s career spanned decades as a pioneer in media, music, and journalism. As the first Black Editor of Radio & Records, he championed Black artists and culture, giving them a rightful seat at the table during a pivotal cultural shift. He continued to amplify Black voices through his work at BET, Urban Network, Gavin Report, and Impact Magazine.
Known for his charisma, creativity, and culinary skills, Bill loved gourmet cooking and was a self-proclaimed “bean connoisseur.” His life was a testament to resilience, passion, and his unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
Bill’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his groundbreaking work and radiant spirit.
Preceded in death by his parents, William and Robbie (Drake) Speed, his brothers Larry and James Ferguson, and his sisters Sandra Williamson, Denise Speed-Woodruff, and Millie Ferguson-Corbitt, Bill leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory. He is survived by his children, Nicholas Speed and Lauren Speed-Hamilton, Cameron Hamilton, and their mother Pamela Kiner Speed; his brother, Bob Ferguson; his sister-in-laws Sheila Kiner-Jackson, Velma Ferguson, Betty Ferguson, Vivion Ferguson; Brother-in-laws Bobby Kiner and Donald Woodruff and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
The family wishes to thank all who have supported them during this time and invites everyone to celebrate Bill’s remarkable life and legacy.
A funeral service honoring Bill's life will be held Saturday, January 4, 1:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Harmony Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends before the service from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
For anyone who cannot attend, a livestream link will be available on Mr. Speed's tribute page at the above-listed service time on www.davisstruempf.com.
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