Joe Creel, Jr.

Mr. Joe Lewis Creel, Jr., 89, of Canton, passed away January 1, 2025, in Tyler. He was born February 23, 1935, in Mize, Mississippi, to Joe Lewis & Eula Lee Hall Creel. Joe spent many years working as a general contractor in Dallas, Texas, before moving to Canton in 1969. His career took him to precious metal mines across New Mexico and Oregon, and one of his proudest accomplishments was crafting the woodwork for the Royal Coach Inn locations nationwide. A man of many talents and passions, Joe was an avid bird and coon hunter who dedicated much of his life to raising coon dogs and birddogs. His skill and dedication led him to win numerous field trials over the years. He was a member of Caney Creek Cowboy Church. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; son, John Lewis Creel; and three sisters, Ollie Mae Williams, Alma Lee “Aunt Kid” Annis, and Ann Ruth Taylor.

Survivors include his two sons, Michael Joe Creel and wife Lynda of Big Canoe, GA, and Matthew Wayne Creel of Benton, AR; two daughters, Debra Kay Rollins and husband Scott of Wills Point, and Sherry Marie Young and husband Alan of Benton, AR; brother, James Robert Creel and wife Kaye of Canton; sister, Wilma L. Jernigan of Canton; seven grandchildren, Cody Davis, Zack Rollins, Deniece Frideley, Amanda Rollins, Joel Young, Oran Creel, and Kayden Young; seven great-grandchildren, Hunter Rollins, Zoe Rollins, Siena Davis, Carson Davis, Lila Frideley, Logan Frideley, and Evelynn Creel; one great-great-grandson, Antonio Scott Rollins; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers, Pamela Durst, Jeanie Huda “Becky”, and his favorite nurse, Candace.

Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery, Grand Saline, TX.