Daniel Speights

Daniel A. Speights, a distinguished South Carolina attorney, community leader, and pioneer in asbestos property damage litigation, passed away at home with his family by his side. A lifelong resident of Hampton, South Carolina, Mr. Speights devoted more than five decades to the practice of law, earning national recognition while remaining deeply rooted in his hometown and the Lowcountry he loved.

Born on July 22, 1945 the second child to Bill and Margaret Speights (older brother Bill). Dan was a sprinter and an athlete while at Wade Hampton High School. He attended Clemson University, where he was elected as Student Body President and was recognized in Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities. He kept many cherished lifelong friendships from his membership in Kappa Delta Chi and Tiger Brotherhood.

Following his undergraduate studies, he served his country as an officer in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1970, serving on U.S.S. Oklahoma City in the Tonkin Gulf during the Vietnam War.

After the Navy, Dan earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1973. Mr. Speights began practicing law and soon became one of the nation's foremost attorneys representing public and private building owners in asbestos property damage litigation. He was a founding partner of the law firm Speights & Solomons based in Hampton, SouthCarolina. Over the course of his career, he represented municipalities, school districts, hospitals, and commercial property owners in more than thirty states, trying and settling more asbestos property damage cases than almost any attorney in the country. Dan stressed the importance of the lawyer's role in addressing the strongholds of injustice.

Despite his national practice, Mr. Speights never left Hampton. He was known not only as a formidable advocate, but also as a mentor, counselor, and friend to generations of lawyers. He believed deeply in professionalism, preparation, and fairness, and he took pride in building a law firm that reflected those values.

Above all else, Dan Speights was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Judy; their two daughters Bryson Hills and Keaton Gross (Charlie); and grandchildren (Salters, Mary Beckett, Avery, Chase and Ella). He was a man of deep loyalty—to his family, his friends, his clients, and his community.

Dan loved history. His love of country manifested in his encyclopedic knowledge of Presidential history. Although comfortable in all places, Dan preferred a meat and three restaurant to French dining. He loved the Atlanta Braves and all things baseball. He loved Clemson University. He was a lifelong supporter of the Tigers and could be found in Clemson at sporting events for over seven decades.

Daniel A. Speights leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and quiet excellence. His influence will continue to be felt in courtrooms across the country and in the lives of the family he loved so dearly and those he taught, mentored, and represented.

Funeral Services will be 3 PM Friday, January 16, 2026, in the Hampton United Methodist Church located at 204 Elm Street West, Hampton, SC 29924. Burial will follow in the Hampton Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 2 PM prior to the service and last until the hour of the service in the church sanctuary.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Speights family during this time.