Samuel S. Creel, Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Surrounded by his loving family, Samuel S. Creel, Jr., peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Born in Jackson, MS, on January 17, 1947, Sam was the eldest son of Samuel S. Creel, Sr., and Julia Lorise Abernathy Creel. A member of the 1965 graduating class of Collins High School, Sam would then serve in the Mississippi National Guard while continuing his education at Jones Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in History. Following a brief career in education as a history teacher in Hattiesburg, MS, and Pensacola, FL, and principal at Oak Grove High School, Sam would later pursue his law degree, completing his education by earning his Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College in 1981. Sam would go on to practice law in the state of Mississippi for more than 40 years. Upon his retirement, Sam would once again return to his original passion for education by teaching history at Southeastern Baptist College. A faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church for more than 25 years and member of the church vestry, Sam was a devout Christian with an encyclopedic knowledge of scripture and biblical history. He had a nearly unquenchable thirst for knowledge – especially relating to historical events – and loved developing creative and thought-provoking ways to share that knowledge with others. Sam was quick-witted and even quicker to kindness. He was a master storyteller who loved to laugh while making others laugh even harder. He brought a great sense of comfort and compassion for those who loved him, and was a considerable resource for thoughtful advice to those who sought it. Sam was a devoted husband and father, and each of his grandchildren brought him unending delight in his later years. He loved his family dearly, and consistently sought opportunities to make them aware of that fact. Sam is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Jim Richardson. He is survived by his wife, Sandi Creel; sister, Blanche Richardson; brother Austin Creel (Veronica Gibson); children Sean Creel (Amii Peri), Shannon Creel Garaudy (James Garaudy), Marcus Creel (Chelsea Porché), Cheryl Cornacchione, Nicole Cornacchione; and grandchildren Mason Garaudy, Connor Garaudy, Ethan Estess and Addison Estess. Visitation and a memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Laurel, MS on Monday, June 20, 2022, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and the memorial service at 12 p.m., followed by interment at the church. Honorary Pall Bearers for the ceremony are Sean Creel, Marcus Creel, James Garaudy, Lee Creel, Bobby Yerks, Keith Rushing and George Jackson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Samuel S. Creel, Jr.

January 17, 1947 - June 4, 2022