Jeffery "Lance" Creel, Sr.

Jeffery Lance Creel, born April 12, 1954, in Biloxi, MS, passed away on April 13, 2025, in New Orleans, LA, after celebrating his 71st birthday in a city he loved and had previously lived for 42 years.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Lynn Creel; father, Larry Creel; mother, Margaret Creel; father-in-law, George Pitalo Sr.; grandparents, Theodore (Tody) Creel, Katie Ellis Creel, Clifton Crawford and Eunice Crawford; brothers, Mike Creel and Doug Creel; brothers-in-law, Gregory Hebert and Russ Jordan; nieces, Carley and Brittany Jordan; and great-nephew, infant George Liam Pitalo.

Lance is survived by his two sons, Jeffery and Clifton Creel; girlfriend, Constance Webb; granddaughter, Addilyn Grace Creel; brother, Tody Creel (Tracy); sister, Sylvia Creel (Jo); mother-in-law, Hazel Pitalo; brother-in-law, George "Jordy" Pitalo Jr. (Darlene); sisters-in-law, Cindy Herbert, Susan Muzslay (Matthew), Penny Davis (Billy), Gloria Creel and Tony Creel; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Lance will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, putting his family first and foremost with a devotion beyond measure. His family included those related by blood and marriage but extended well beyond that. He treated every person he encountered as family and treated them as if they were one of his own. Lance graduated from Ocean Springs High School where he was voted Mr. Ocean Springs High School in 1973 and attended the University of Mississippi where he became a lifelong Rebels fan. He worked in collections and automotive repossession where he was even able to befriend those he kindly relieved of their automobiles. He had a passionate love for entertaining, where he ensured every person felt included and had a (full glass). Lance returned to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi in 2022 where his spent his last years with close family and friends. He enjoyed bicycle riding, traveling, dining, the city of New Orleans, and especially the Rebels. He was a warm-hearted person who lived his life fulfilling his passion of caring for others. Anyone who crossed paths with him could tell you of the love they felt from being in his presence. His lasting impression will continue to be felt by all long after his death.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for all the prayers, concerns, and kindness for Lance during this time. "He fought a good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith."

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 21, 2025 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit from 9:30 am until Mass time.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jeffery Lance Creel.