CREEL

Billy Ray Creel, 81, died at 8:48 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at his home in Franklinton.

A native of Franklinton, he was born on Sept. 12, 1932, but he also lived in Chalmette, Addis, Sevierville, Tenn., and Spokane, Wash. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served as a radio operator in a B-36 “Peacemaker” bomber based out of Fairchild Air Force base in Washington.

Billy retired from Dow Chemical in 1986 as a senior plant operator. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and was formerly a deacon of Addis Baptist Church.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 61 years, Joyce Owens Creel of Franklinton; a daughter, Kathleen Lincoln of Byrum, Miss.; three sons, William Creel of Franklinton, David Creel of Baton Rouge and Michael Creel Sr. of Plaquemine; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth Creel of Saucier, Miss.; and a sister, Elenore Stevens of Mobile, Ala.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie Creel and Veda Walters Creel; a brother, Royce Creel; a young sister, Yvonne Creel; an infant; and a granddaughter, Briget Creel.

Visitation was held Monday, Oct. 28 at Bethel Baptist Church from 5-9 p.m. Visitation continued at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Denny Brumfield and the Rev. Joseph Kelly officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Phil Stevens, Robbie Stevens, Freddie Fornea, Keith Dickerson, Trent Miller and Tommy Smith. Honorary pallbearers and Kyle Creel, Fred Hoggatt, Billy Sylvest, Brent Hoggatt, Gerald Welch, Enoch Welch, Charlie Creel, Kenny Seal and Steve Welch.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.