G.N. "Nicky" Creel

G. N. “Nicky” Creel, 85, passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2015 in Biloxi, MS. He was born in Biloxi on April 10, 1929. Nicky graduated from Biloxi High School. Nicky served in the Army National Guard. In 1951, he married Iris Tiblier Creel. He went to work as a Deputy Chancery Clerk in Harrison County in 1954. Nicky took office as Chancery Clerk in January of 1972 and remained in office as an elected official for 24 years. He retired from office in December of 1995. During his years of service, he served as first Vice President and then went on to become President of the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, was a member of the Gulf Coast Mental Health Association and helped establish the Transitional Living Center, now known as the Crisis Stabilization Unit, was a Board Member of the American Red Cross, was past President of the Chancery Clerks Association for the State of Mississippi, a member of the board for Harrison County Tourism Commission, and served on the Executive Committee of the Miss USA Pageant. Nicky was past Grand Marshall of the Hibernia Marching Society in 1993. He was past Grand Marshall in the Gulfport Shenanigans. Throughout his life, he remained active in both Carnival and St. Patrick Day’s festivities. In July of 1997, he married Mary “Susie” Creel. Nicky was a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge, and both Biloxi and North Bay Chambers of Commerce. He was predeceased by his parents, J.A. “Tony” Creel and Gladys Ward Creel; his first wife, Iris Tiblier Creel; and brothers, Joe Creel, Francis Creel and William “Billy” Creel. Nicky is survived by his wife, Mary “Susie” Myers Creel; his sons, G. N. “Nicky” (Charlene) Creel Jr. and James Steven Creel; daughters, Cindy (Dusty) Creel Johnson, and Toni (Wally) Creel Ross; stepson, Tracy (Sonya) Switzer; stepdaughter, Marcie (Jay) Williams; grandchildren, Nicole, Bubba, T.J., Steven, Justin, Nikki, Ana, Alivia, Ava, and Kai; 8 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brothers, Jerry “Sunshine” (Frances) Creel and Arthur Creel; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Matherne and his staff for the loving care and concern they provided. They would also like to thank Notre Dame Hospice for the care they provided to their loved one. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the American Lung Association of Mississippi, PO Box 2178, Ridgeland, MS 39158 or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady of Fatima, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a 8:00 p.m. Rosary. On Monday, January 19, 2015 there will be a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. All visitation and services will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will follow Southern Memorial Park.