Celebrating the life of
Gerald W. Creel
April 03, 1941 - September 24, 2013
Gerald W. Creel
Gerald Wayne Creel, 72, died September 24, 2013 at home under the care of Hospice Savannah, Inc. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994, he fought a valiant and brave battle, often offering counsel to others new to the fight.
He was born April 3, 1941 in Corpus Christi, TX and had lived in Savannah since 1985. He was a graduate of Miller High School and Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. After graduating from North Texas State University in 1964 he was accepted into Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in August 1964. He served as Engineering Officer aboard the USS Parrot MSC 197. After his discharge, he attended the University of Texas at Austin where he received an MBA in Marketing.
After graduation from UT, he worked at Armstrong Cork Company in Lancaster, PA in Marketing Research and later was transferred to Houston where he worked in sales for the Building Products division until he joined the sales force of the Cryovac Division of WR Grace Co. He moved to Savannah in 1985 after buying Savannah Industrial Supply Company and satisfying his long time dream of owning his own business. He had been a partner/owner of several businesses in Savannah including Savannah River Cruise Line The Magnolia, Drainage Specialties and Coastal Kayaks. Until his a retirement he was active in Rotary and had served as president of Rotary Club East. In 1995, he led a Group Study Exchange team to Indonesia. Gerald was a talented woodworker, a great cook and an avid reader. He was well versed in a multitude of subjects and it was almost impossible to find a word of which he did not know the meaning.
His father, Ira Dell Creel of Elgin, TX preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Michele Peterman Creel of Savannah; his son and daughter-in-law Garner and Kellie Stapen Creel and the greatest love of his life, his granddaughter Anna who named him Dobbut. Gerald is also survived by his mother, Ruby Foehner Creel of Elgin, TX, his two sisters, Linda Creel Brinkley of Elgin, Judith Creel Trevathan Jim of San Antonio and seven nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
There will be a memorial service conducted by Father Sam Buice at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2013 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Skidaway Island in Savannah.
The family suggests that remembrances be made in his memory to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 3 West Ridge Rd., Savannah, GA 31411 or the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers go out to Gerald's family in this time of loss. May God be with you and provide strength and peace during this time of sadness.
- Stephen C. Dowell, Kingwood, TX
Mickey, It is my hope that you and your family can find comfort in the knowledge that Mr. Creel's pain and suffering are over and he is now at peace.
- Patricia Smith, Savannah, GA
Mickey I have many fond memories of our time together, including the infamous Brown-Penn football game. I am so sad for the loss for you and for me as well. Gerald was one of the best. Love Ed Zinn Toledo, Ohio
- Ed Zinn, Toledo, OH
Mickey, Don and I are so deeply saddened to hear about Gerald's passing. We have such wonderful memories of our camping trips together. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Don and Judy Braun
- Don and Judy Braun, Savannah, GA
Mickey We are so saddened by Gerald's death. We will always remember him as a young, vibrant sailor full of hope and expectation and you as his always supportive vibrant and beautiful wife.Ahh that it could go on forever. We had wonderful times together which remain a cherished a part of our life experience. May Gerald rest in peace. All our love Peter and Caroline
- Peter and Caroline Tierney, Dallas, TX
Mickey--I am so very sorry. Please know that I am thinking about you and your family.
- Dia, Augusta and Tybee Is, GA
Mickey, Our grief is deep and profound. We loved Gerald so much as we do you. What a blessing to have Gerald's friendship for so many years. The memories are precious. Our love and prayers have been and continue to be with you and Garner and family, especially dear Anna. Our deepest sympathy, Don and Kay
- Don and Kay Butler, Lufkin, TX
My thoughts will be with you and the family.
- Phyllis Asbell, McIntyre, GA
Dear Mickey, I knew that long ago Gerald had prostate cancer but thought the threat had been eliminated and have been totally unaware he was ill. I was quite shocked when Jim called me last week with the heartbreaking news. Harold and I are so sorry for your loss and send our sympathies and prayers to you and your family. Take care and blessings. Love, Kehron & Harold
- Kehron & Harold Thompson, Highland, CA
Mickey, So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Olive
- Olive Conlin, Cartersville, GA
Dear Mickey, Our greatest sympathy to you and your family. We have such fond memories of you and Gerald. He will be missed by so many. God bless you. Love, Pete and Kimi
- Pete and Kimi Galan, Rsowell, GA
So sorry to hear Mickey. Gerald was such a kind and happy person. Always smiling. I have wonderful memories of our happy times together. I hope you find peace and comfort in the days to come. Love, Phyllis
- Phyllis Lewis, Spring, TX
Dear Garner, Kelli and Anna, So sorry for your loss. He will always be in your heart and mind and never forgotten. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful father and grandfather. May you find comfort and peace in the coming days. Love, Phyllis
- Phyllis Lewis, Spring, TX
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Creel family in this time of loss.
- Eric Casper, Savannah, GA
My condolences to you, Garner and Your mom.
- Kenneth Ward, Murfreesboro, TN
Mrs. Creel, Garner - You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Leah
- Leah Shumans, Roswell, GA
I am so sorry to hear about Gerald. I didn't even know he had been sick. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. This is such a sad thing to happen.
- Sue Vandegrift-Behnke, Spring, TX
I am so sorry to hear about Gerald. I didn't even know he had been sick. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. This is such a sad thing to happen.
- Sue Vandegrift-Behnke, Spring, TX
Mrs. Creel, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. May God be with all of you throughout this trying time. I didn't know your husband had been ill. Just know in your heart, he isn't hurting any more. Many hugs to you my sweet lady.
- Patricia Waters, Pooler, GA
Garner and Kellie so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tonia & Taylor Parrott
- Tonia Parrott, Bluffton, SC
Garner & family we are sorry for your loss. We will keep you all in our prayers.
- Betty Hall &John Smith, Spartanburg, SC
Garner, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Griffin
- Griffin Thomas, Boston, MA
Mickey This is one day I wish I didn't take the News Paper. I didn't know. You guys were one of my true friends. Bob
- Robert Kehoe Golden, Savannah, GA
Many great memories working for you at the house and on the boat. you will be missed and never forgotten. peace to those you love. bma
- Bryan Acker, Columbus, OH
I am sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to the family in this time of sorrow.
- Colleen Edwards, Savannah, GA
Gerald played a huge part in our growing up years in Corpus Christi, Texas during the 50s. We met in 7th grade and were instant friends. I do not remember Gerald ever being anything but nice and funny and polite. He was such a gentleman even as a teenager. So many of us have remained close and we're all so saddened by his passing. Mickey, Garner and Anna, please know how much you meant to him and how proud he was of his family. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
- Mary Mosel Kunkle, San Antonio, TX
So sorry I can't be there in person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Julie
- Julie Trevathan Batycki, Chattanooga, TN
Dear Creel family, We were so sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. He was a lovely man and it was a pleasure knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Bonnie & Ivan
- Bonnie & Ivan, Alpharetta, GA
Garner - your family and you have been and continue to be in my thoughts. Jason
- Jason Wetmore, Atlanta, GA
We are both deeply sorry for your loss. Gerald was a True renaissance man, and example to all who new him. Our best wishes for you all.
- Judy and Jim Trevathan, San Antonio,, TX
Dear Garner, I met your father only once at a Fourth of July party, but I will never forget our conversation... he taught me how to make homemade beer, which I still do on occasion with my daddy. What a Renaissance man! I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Wissy
- Melissa Petoskey, Spartanburg, SC
Dear Mickey: My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Sympathy and strength to carry on without your Gerald. God's blessings during this sad time of your life. Mavis Bazemore Weaver Knoxville,Tn.
- Mavis Weaver, Knoxville, TN
Dearest Mickey and Garner, My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Gerald was always so much fun to be around. I know you have wonderful memories to share with each other. May God bless you and continue to help you through this difficult time. Love to you both. Sheila
- Sheila Cash Cubbage, Flowery Branch, GA
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Angell and Steve Usher
- Angell and Steve Usher, Savannah, GA
TC and I are shocked and so very sorry to hear about Gerald. It seems not too long ago we ran into each other at Walmart. I will always remember his constant smile and the way he always found the good in everything. Love, Pat
- TC and Pat Powers, Savannah, GA
Mickey, You're in my thoughts on this sad event. Please try to think of the happy days in Charleston with the USN and Gerald. Richard
- Joseph R. Herring, Savannah, GA
Dear Mickey, My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May God continue to give you strength during this difficult time. Much Love, Linda
- Linda Tierney, Savannah, GA
Mickey, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gail and Jack Brown
- Gail Brown, Savannah, GA
Dear Mickey, Garner, Kelly, and Anna, Gerald was a gift to us all. I never heard him say anything mean about anyone. His clever sense of humor was a blessing, and his many talents live on in all that he created. Memories of Gerald as the ultimate host, the fabulous cook, the multi- talented man, the generous, true friend, the loving husband, father, and grandfather, will be cherished by anyone whose path he crossed.
- Sally Rountree Klein, Richmond Hill, GA
Dear Mickey,thinking of you and your family and sending you our love and prayers.
- Annette Durden Mitchell, Richmond Hill, GA
Garner and Mrs. Creel, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- David Koncul and Family, Saint Simons Island, GA
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers go out to Gerald's family in this time of loss. May God be with you and provide strength and peace during this time of sadness.
- Stephen C. Dowell, Kingwood, TX
Mickey, It is my hope that you and your family can find comfort in the knowledge that Mr. Creel's pain and suffering are over and he is now at peace.
- Patricia Smith, Savannah, GA
Mickey I have many fond memories of our time together, including the infamous Brown-Penn football game. I am so sad for the loss for you and for me as well. Gerald was one of the best. Love Ed Zinn Toledo, Ohio
- Ed Zinn, Toledo, OH
Mickey, Don and I are so deeply saddened to hear about Gerald's passing. We have such wonderful memories of our camping trips together. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Don and Judy Braun
- Don and Judy Braun, Savannah, GA
Mickey We are so saddened by Gerald's death. We will always remember him as a young, vibrant sailor full of hope and expectation and you as his always supportive vibrant and beautiful wife.Ahh that it could go on forever. We had wonderful times together which remain a cherished a part of our life experience. May Gerald rest in peace. All our love Peter and Caroline
- Peter and Caroline Tierney, Dallas, TX
Mickey--I am so very sorry. Please know that I am thinking about you and your family.
- Dia, Augusta and Tybee Is, GA
Mickey, Our grief is deep and profound. We loved Gerald so much as we do you. What a blessing to have Gerald's friendship for so many years. The memories are precious. Our love and prayers have been and continue to be with you and Garner and family, especially dear Anna. Our deepest sympathy, Don and Kay
- Don and Kay Butler, Lufkin, TX
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Alan Toney, Savannah, GA
My thoughts will be with you and the family.
- Phyllis Asbell, McIntyre, GA
Dear Mickey, I knew that long ago Gerald had prostate cancer but thought the threat had been eliminated and have been totally unaware he was ill. I was quite shocked when Jim called me last week with the heartbreaking news. Harold and I are so sorry for your loss and send our sympathies and prayers to you and your family. Take care and blessings. Love, Kehron & Harold
- Kehron & Harold Thompson, Highland, CA
Mickey, So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Olive
- Olive Conlin, Cartersville, GA
Dear Mickey, Our greatest sympathy to you and your family. We have such fond memories of you and Gerald. He will be missed by so many. God bless you. Love, Pete and Kimi
- Pete and Kimi Galan, Rsowell, GA
So sorry to hear Mickey. Gerald was such a kind and happy person. Always smiling. I have wonderful memories of our happy times together. I hope you find peace and comfort in the days to come. Love, Phyllis
- Phyllis Lewis, Spring, TX
Dear Garner, Kelli and Anna, So sorry for your loss. He will always be in your heart and mind and never forgotten. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful father and grandfather. May you find comfort and peace in the coming days. Love, Phyllis
- Phyllis Lewis, Spring, TX
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Creel family in this time of loss.
- Eric Casper, Savannah, GA
My condolences to you, Garner and Your mom.
- Kenneth Ward, Murfreesboro, TN
Mrs. Creel, Garner - You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Leah
- Leah Shumans, Roswell, GA
I am so sorry to hear about Gerald. I didn't even know he had been sick. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. This is such a sad thing to happen.
- Sue Vandegrift-Behnke, Spring, TX
I am so sorry to hear about Gerald. I didn't even know he had been sick. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. This is such a sad thing to happen.
- Sue Vandegrift-Behnke, Spring, TX
Mrs. Creel, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. May God be with all of you throughout this trying time. I didn't know your husband had been ill. Just know in your heart, he isn't hurting any more. Many hugs to you my sweet lady.
- Patricia Waters, Pooler, GA
Garner and Kellie so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tonia & Taylor Parrott
- Tonia Parrott, Bluffton, SC
Garner & family we are sorry for your loss. We will keep you all in our prayers.
- Betty Hall &John Smith, Spartanburg, SC
Garner, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Griffin
- Griffin Thomas, Boston, MA
Mickey This is one day I wish I didn't take the News Paper. I didn't know. You guys were one of my true friends. Bob
- Robert Kehoe Golden, Savannah, GA
Many great memories working for you at the house and on the boat. you will be missed and never forgotten. peace to those you love. bma
- Bryan Acker, Columbus, OH
I am sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to the family in this time of sorrow.
- Colleen Edwards, Savannah, GA
Gerald played a huge part in our growing up years in Corpus Christi, Texas during the 50s. We met in 7th grade and were instant friends. I do not remember Gerald ever being anything but nice and funny and polite. He was such a gentleman even as a teenager. So many of us have remained close and we're all so saddened by his passing. Mickey, Garner and Anna, please know how much you meant to him and how proud he was of his family. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
- Mary Mosel Kunkle, San Antonio, TX
So sorry I can't be there in person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Julie
- Julie Trevathan Batycki, Chattanooga, TN
Dear Creel family, We were so sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. He was a lovely man and it was a pleasure knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Bonnie & Ivan
- Bonnie & Ivan, Alpharetta, GA
Garner - your family and you have been and continue to be in my thoughts. Jason
- Jason Wetmore, Atlanta, GA
We are both deeply sorry for your loss. Gerald was a True renaissance man, and example to all who new him. Our best wishes for you all.
- Judy and Jim Trevathan, San Antonio,, TX
Dear Garner, I met your father only once at a Fourth of July party, but I will never forget our conversation... he taught me how to make homemade beer, which I still do on occasion with my daddy. What a Renaissance man! I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Wissy
- Melissa Petoskey, Spartanburg, SC
Dear Mickey: My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Sympathy and strength to carry on without your Gerald. God's blessings during this sad time of your life. Mavis Bazemore Weaver Knoxville,Tn.
- Mavis Weaver, Knoxville, TN
Dearest Mickey and Garner, My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Gerald was always so much fun to be around. I know you have wonderful memories to share with each other. May God bless you and continue to help you through this difficult time. Love to you both. Sheila
- Sheila Cash Cubbage, Flowery Branch, GA
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Angell and Steve Usher
- Angell and Steve Usher, Savannah, GA
TC and I are shocked and so very sorry to hear about Gerald. It seems not too long ago we ran into each other at Walmart. I will always remember his constant smile and the way he always found the good in everything. Love, Pat
- TC and Pat Powers, Savannah, GA
Mickey, You're in my thoughts on this sad event. Please try to think of the happy days in Charleston with the USN and Gerald. Richard
- Joseph R. Herring, Savannah, GA
Dear Mickey, My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May God continue to give you strength during this difficult time. Much Love, Linda
- Linda Tierney, Savannah, GA
Mickey, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gail and Jack Brown
- Gail Brown, Savannah, GA
Dear Mickey, Garner, Kelly, and Anna, Gerald was a gift to us all. I never heard him say anything mean about anyone. His clever sense of humor was a blessing, and his many talents live on in all that he created. Memories of Gerald as the ultimate host, the fabulous cook, the multi- talented man, the generous, true friend, the loving husband, father, and grandfather, will be cherished by anyone whose path he crossed.
- Sally Rountree Klein, Richmond Hill, GA
Dear Mickey,thinking of you and your family and sending you our love and prayers.
- Annette Durden Mitchell, Richmond Hill, GA
Garner and Mrs. Creel, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- David Koncul and Family, Saint Simons Island, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
