Obituary

William Russell Creel, Sr.

April 16, 1943 - June 26, 2025

William Russell Creel, Sr., age 82 and a lifelong resident of Franklinton, Louisiana,, passed away peacefully on Thursday June 26, 2025 surrounded by his family and devoted wife of 56 years. He was born on April 16, 1943 on the family property that he lived on to this day. Russell was a Franklinton High School graduate Class of 1961. His senior year, he was awarded Outstanding Future Farmers of America, and then obtained his bachelor of science in Dairy Science from Southeastern Louisiana University. Russell also proudly served his country from 1967-1971 in the United States Army Reserve Military Police.

Russell was a hard working dairy farmer for over 63 years. Throughout those years, he served on many boards and received several prestigious awards. In 2012, he was recognized by the Dairy Science Club at Louisiana State University (LSU) as Dairyman of the Year. He was also recognized that same year by Governor Jindal as Dairyman of the Year from the Dairy Industry Promotion Board. Russell served on the Farm Bureau Board in numerous offices from 1972 until his passing. He also served two years as District Director of the State Farm Bureau Board.

He was an active member at Acy’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church, and served as church clerk for over 50 years. Russell loved the Lord, his family, and telling others about Jesus. During his illness, he was excited for the opportunity to share his testimony and love of the Lord to everyone.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rebecca Wood Creel, three children and their spouses: William Benedict “Benny” Creel and Missy Creel, Martha Claudine Boos and Keith Boos, and William Russell “Rusty” Creel, Jr. and Johnna Creel. Sister and brother-in-law Carolyn and Donald Daniel; Brothers in law and sisters in law: Joel and Barbara Smith, Jerry and Shannon Bickham, Tony Valenti, Angie Warner, Louis and Kathy Giluso, Cathy Warner, Neal and Norma Gayle Elk. Grandchildren: Summer Creel, Mercedes Lockhart, Hunter Cotton, Matthew Stewart, Marina Thomas, Joshua Stewart, Alison Pigott, Declan Creel, Rustyn Creel, Bentley Creel. Great-grandchildren: Ty, Jaxson, Maverick, Mila, Avery, Weston, Hazel, Haven, Zachary, Bowen, Grace, Harper, John, Rachel. Also numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ottis Creel and Hilda Crowe Creel, father in law and mother in law Thomas Edward and Betty Wood, sisters in law Pat Valenti, Belinda Bickham, brothers in law Tommy Warner, Olie Ray Warner and other family members.

Visitation will be at Acy’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church (48482 Hwy. 436, Franklinton, LA 70438) on Tuesday July 1st from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 2:00 pm Tuesday with Bro. David Barber, Bro. Duane Ball, Bro. Leon Hickman and Bro. Levi Carter officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Acy’s Creek Baptist Church Building Fund at the address above, as Russell wanted to see the church grow and spread the Word of our Lord to all.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Stewart, Joshua Stewart, Declan Creel, Bentley Creel, Rustyn Creel, Hunter Cotton, Trey Thomas, Andrew Pigott

Honorary pallbearers are Donald Daniel, Jerry Bickham, Joel Smith, Louis Giluso, Neal Elk, Tony Valenti, Nicky Smith, Mike Gill and all the men of Acy’s Creek Church.

Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.