Former Reagan Spokesman Larry Speakes Dies at 74

Served president after assassination attempt injured James Brady

JACKSON, Miss. — Larry Speakes, who spent six years as acting press secretary for President Ronald Reagan, has died in his native Mississippi. He was 74.

Kenny Williams of the Cleveland Funeral Home says Speakes died Friday at home in Cleveland, Miss., where he had lived the past several years.

Bolivar County Coroner Nate Brown says Speakes had Alzheimer's disease and died in his sleep. He was buried in North Cleveland Cemetery during a private service Friday morning.