The first public statement from the 42-year-old's family comes after Welsh football bosses said the sense of shock and mystery following the tragedy would remain "for many years to come".
Speed was found hanged on Sunday morning at his home on the outskirts of Chester - a day after appearing on live television and chatting to fellow footballing figures.
An inquest into his death will be opened at Warrington Coroner's Court on Tuesday.
Police have said there were "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding the former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United midfielder's death.
Speaking outside the footballer's Cheshire home, Speed's agent and best man at his wedding, Hayden Evans, said: "Gary's family would sincerely like to thank all the people that have sent messages of condolence and tributes in what is a very difficult time.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support and it really has helped. We would ask that the family are now given the respect of some privacy to just grieve on their own."
Speed had overseen a dramatic resurgence for the national Wales football team since his appointment as manager in February.
During an emotional press conference, bosses from the Football Association of Wales (FAW) admitted they were still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford fought back tears as he said it felt odd to be holding a press conference without the Wales manager next to him.
"It is surreal," he said.
"I am so emotionally cut up. We can't fathom it, we can't understand it and I think we will be guessing for many years to come.
"We are all devastated. At the FAW office, we huddled and cried together today. All we've done is cried. None of this makes sense."
Sky Sports cricket commentator Sir Ian Botham said the world of football had lost a "great ambassador" and as a friend, was trying to come to terms with the loss.
"Not very often am I lost for words," he told Sky Sports News at Sunday night's Jaguar Academy Of Sport Annual Awards.
"I was with him just a few weeks ago. We played golf, he was enjoying himself and Wales were playing well - everything seemed to be rosy.
"It just goes to show you never know what quite goes on and maybe the pressure got to him.
"But I can't offer any reason or rhyme, it just doesn't make any sense.
"It's a crying shame and a lot of us will be scratching our heads for a long, long time trying to work out why."
Sir Ian said Speed will be remembered as "one of the nicest guys in sport".
Speed was awarded the MBE in 2010. His last game as Wales manager was on November 12 when the team won 4-1 in a friendly against Norway.
He made his last public appearance on BBC1's Football Focus show on Saturday afternoon.
Fellow pundit Gary McAllister told Sky he spoke with Speed after the show and that he seemed "upbeat". "There was nothing I could see in Gary that would suggest he was depressed or feeling anxiety," he added.
:: Stars mourn 'great man' of football
Sky Sports presenter Chris Kamara described Speed as one of his "great friends".
He said: "I can't get my head round what's going on. I'm confused and baffled, but most of all saddened.
"He was football through and through and played for as long as he could... this is probably one of the saddest days I've had in my life."
After news of his death broke, there was a minute's applause at the Liberty Stadium as a mark of respect before Sunday's match between Swansea City and Aston Villa.
Fans had been asked to "stand and remember Speed with a minute's silence" but instead burst into applause to pay their respects.
Shay Given, the Aston Villa goalkeeper and Speed's former Newcastle United team mate, was seen in tears as the game kicked off.
Liverpool's Craig Bellamy, who played both alongside Speed for Wales and under him as manager, was so upset by the death that he withdrew from his side's match against Manchester City.
Flags were also being flown at half mast in his honour outside Leeds United's Elland Road ground.
Speed, who captained the national team and remains the country's most capped outfield player, leaves behind a wife, Louise, and two sons, Ed and Tommy.
A family tribute will be released at a later date, police said.
Tributes also came from the world of politics.
Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear about the death of Gary Speed. This is devastating news and our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them."
Downing Street said Prime Minister David Cameron was "deeply saddened" to hear of the death of Speed, who was "greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager".
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 08457 90 90 90 (UK) 1850 60 90 90 (Republic of Ireland) or email jo@samaritans.org
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