CREEL

James Delos “J.D.” Creel, 84, a lifelong resident of Bogalusa, passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, in Harrison, Ark.

Born on Sept. 24, 1929, he was the son of Thomas and Celeste McGehee Creel, who preceded him in death. His sister, Maude, and three brothers, Robert, Howard and Willard, also preceded him in death.

James, who was a longtime deacon in the Missionary Baptist Church organization, was the sole proprietor of Creel’s Body Shop. He retired and recently moved to Harrison, where he became a member of the Pine Street Baptist Church. His strong spiritual beliefs were evident to those who knew and loved him. He was always willing to help those in need and to extend Christian hospitality to everyone. He enjoyed spending time with his family and held close the relationships with his friends.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Yvonne Jarrell Creel; daughters, Cathy Creel Sherburne and Joan Creel Pennington, both of Baton Rouge, and a daughter and son-in-law, Tomi Mattocks and Mike Crow of Conway, Ark.; a son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Ann Williams of Harrison; two granddaughters and spouses, Anna and Kirt Barnett and Jennifer and Seth Gauthier; six grandsons and spouses, Chad and Amber Miller, Joshua and Niacole Williams, Jeremy Williams, Blaine and Amanda Callender, Andy Crow and Ben Crow; great-granddaughters, Kimber Williams, Katie Barnett, Cameron and Carlie Miller; great-grandsons Kade Gauthier, Jackson Callender, and Elliot Barrios; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Visitation was held Monday, October 21, at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home in Bogalusa from 5-8 p.m., and resumed on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. when chapel services were conducted. Interment followed in the McGehee Cemetery.

Family and friends may view and sign the guestbook at www.brownmcgehee.com.