Rev. Dr. Gary Speers
Rev. Dr. Gary M. Speers is a veteran educator, administrator, and pastor whose five-decade career reflects an unwavering commitment to faith, leadership, and public service. A Birmingham native and graduate of Woodlawn High School, he has served in pivotal roles throughout Alabama’s school systems, local government, juvenile justice, and ministry, and currently serves as pastor of Aspel Community Church and as a member of the Scottsboro Board of Education.
He was married to the late Kimball McQueen Speers—author of A Binding Love (2010), a historical romance—until her passing on December 17, 2023. Together, they raised three daughters and are blessed with eight grandchildren.
MORE TO KNOW
Dr. Gary M. Speers is an educator, community leader, and author whose life and work are deeply rooted in faith and service. He was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from Woodlawn High School—the inspiration for the Woodlawn story referenced in his book title. He continued his education on an athletic scholarship at Alabama A&M University, where he played football and earned his bachelor’s degree.
Over the years, Speers has held a wide range of roles in education, including serving as the fifth and final principal of Brownwood Elementary School, assistant principal at other local schools, and positions in dropout prevention and attendance coordination within the Scottsboro City Schools system. He is also a board member of the Scottsboro Board of Education.
In addition to his work in education, Dr. Speers has been active in public service and community leadership. He served as a city councilman in Scottsboro, founded New Harvest Ministries, and pastored Saint Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church for more than a decade. He remains involved with local organizations such as the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
His academic credentials are extensive. Along with his bachelor’s degree, he holds a Bachelor of Theology, a master’s degree in school counseling, an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) with a focus on educational administration.
Life After Woodlawn reflects Speers’s personal journey of faith, resilience, and purpose, showing how his beliefs have shaped his life experiences and service to others.
