March 29, 2024

Arthur “Heavy” “Sage Point” (tribal name) T. Speaks, Jr.

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Arthur “Heavy” “Sage Point” (tribal name) T. Speaks, Jr., 66 of East Providence, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the loving husband of Irmadene Jones-Speaks.

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Arthur Sr. and Nena (Sailor) Speaks.

Arthur received his Bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College class of 1976. He worked for the City of Providence as an Economic Development Loan Officer until his retirement in 2016. Prior to that he was a Vice President Bank Manager at Hospital Trust Bank. Arthur was an extremely caring and generous person who’d give you the shirt off his back if it meant saving someone. He was fun to be around and enjoyed spending time with family and friends listening to music, reading, fishing, watching sports especially football and basketball. He was very passionate about working with the youth of Providence. He was a basketball referee for John Hope and the Youth Christian Ministry Basketball Association. He read the Bible daily and was quick to send spiritual text messages to many.

Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Brian Mathew Speaks and his wife Jennifer and his adoptive son Kevin Isiah Jones-Speaks. He is also survived by his cousin, Kevin Sebastian to whom he called as “Dad” since the passing of Kevin’s biological parents, Arthur loved him like a son. He also leaves two sisters, Karen Speaks of East Providence, Donna Speaks of Marlborough, MA, a brother Lawrence Speaks and his wife Joyce as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was the grandson of the late William Sailor and Gladys Edna (Davis) Sailor and Sylvester and Mary (Logan) Speaks. Arthur will be dearly missed as he soars with the angels. He will forever remain in our hearts.

His funeral will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 11:00AM in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 475 Cranston Street, Providence. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions to Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st. Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131

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