James Rodney Creel (1944-2025) The world became a little less bright this day, September 27, 2025, with the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, James Rodney Creel. He is now rejoicing in the sight of His Lord and Savior.
Services for Mr. Creel will be held on September 30, 2025, at Welcome Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. with Graveside services at 3 p.m. in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Jerry Lake and Rev. Seth Hesterley will be officiating the service.
Born on January 5, 1944 in Baileyton, AL, James was known throughout his life as the horseman. He loved trail riding with his many friends. If there was a trail ride insight, he was always eager to participate bringing along several of his children and grandchildren.
James lived his Christian testimony daily. He asked Jesus to be his Savior on August 10, 1969. James was a member of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church. He loved teaching Sunday School and Bible Study. He truly loved his church family. His children remember mornings and evenings spent in Bible study and prayer. If anyone had a Bible question, he could give them the answer or would study until
he found it. His greatest joy was to see those who were lost, accept Jesus as their personal Savior. He never gave up on people.
James was a great storyteller and enjoyed making people laugh; if you went to Jack’s on 157 for breakfast, James would be there with his buddies.
He had a long career as a supervisor for Barber’s Dairy and Dean’s Foods until his retirement. James looked forward to eating breakfast with his longtime work friends monthly.
James dearly loved his wife, Brenda Golden Creel. They would have celebrated their 63rd anniversary on October 12th of this year.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Hershell and Julia Nell Nail Creel; brothers, Wilburn Joseph “Joe” Creel, John Larry Creel; sister, Sarah Lou Creel Baker; and one grandson.
James is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughters, Selina (Tim) Butts, Sharon (Greg) Tidmore, Susan (Les) Patterson, and son, James Steven Creel; brother, Keith (Susie) Creel; 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and many extended family members.
Pallbearers- Tim Butts, Les Patterson, Greg Tidmore, Westin Wilborn, Alex Creel, Mark Creel, Tucker Screws and Everett Swindall.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking you make donations to East Cullman Baptist Association, Gideons International, St Jude, or Welcome Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery fund.
Philippians 3:12-14
New King James Version
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
