Willie Felton Creef, Jr. (August 9, 1945 – May 7, 2025)

Willie Felton Creef, Jr. was born to Willie Felton Creef, Sr. and Mary Theresa Creef August 9, 1945 in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.  His father died unexpectedly in 1957, when Willie was only 12 years old.  After the death of his father, Willie was raised by his mother and Uncle Ronald Creef, who treated Willie like a son. Willie attended school in Chesapeake, Virginia.  While attending school, he worked at Chesapeake Pharmacy and the local hardware store.  After finishing school, he began working in 1964 at Burton Lumber Company earning $68.00 per week.  In 1965, Willie enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War era.  He served as a petroleum supply operator, and enjoyed his station at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Willie married Lorraine Blackwell in 1966, and they welcomed their first child, Teresa Marie Creef on October 28, 1966.  They soon welcomed two sons, Bruce Felton Creef on June 30, 1968 and Jeffery Lee Creef on August 15, 1970.  Willie was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1971.  Their family was completed when Vergie Melisa Creef was born on September 7, 1973.  In 1972, Willie began working with George Sentell Dawkins, and in 1974 the family relocated to Cherry in Washington County, North Carolina.  While working with Mr. Dawkins, Willie helped construct the Dalton House motel, the Tyrrell County Administrative office, and multiple hog houses. 

In 1975, Willie became a single dad to his four children.  He loved being a father.  While it was hard to provide for his children, Willie worked hard and ALWAYS showed up for his kids.  He was actively involved in athletics for his sons.  He also coached softball in a community league, and was loved by his players.  Willie loved the outdoors and took special pleasure in fishing every chance he had.

Willie met his wife Dolores in 1988, and they enjoyed their first date on his birthday at the Golden Corral in Edenton.  Willie loved to dance and hang out with friends.  And Dolores became his dancing partner.  On July 1, 1991, Willie became employed as a maintenance worker at Tyrrell County Schools.  He loved interacting with the students and faculty, and constructed numerous projects that are still used at the schools today.  Willie and Dolores were married on February 14, 1993.  When marrying Dolores, Willie became the father of three more children, Ginger Hassell, Windy Hassell, and Melissa Hassell.

Willie bought his first home at 702 Martha Street in 1989.  He completely remodeled the home for his new bride, which took way longer than Dolores wanted.  They enjoyed many family gatherings at holidays and birthdays over the past 35 years.  Willie was infamous for sharing tall tales of growing up in “South Nawfolk.”

Willie became “Papa” on September 26, 1991.  There was no greater joy in Papa’s life than his grandchildren, and eventually great grandchildren.  He spent numerous hours spoiling them with food and play.  He showed up for his grandchildren, just as he did for his children.  He attended ball games, recitals, birthday parties and graduations for all of them.  Papa’s grandchildren knew they could always count on him whenever they needed, or wanted, anything!

Papa was quite the artist at heart.  He made wood working crafts for his grandchildren.  He could build anything that he envisioned in his mind.  In 2002, he took his artistry to food, and began “Creef’s Creative Cakes.” Papa made wedding cakes and birthday cakes that were astonishing.  Papa “retired” from Tyrrell County Schools in 2012.  He still continued to help people with their construction needs, including constructing an addition for his daughter, Windy, at her law office.

Papa also gained a love of travel with his family as time went on.  He could be seen sunbathing on a cruise ship, shaking hands with Mickey Mouse at Disney World, fishing on the beach in Ocracoke, riding in a buggy in Amish country, cheering on the Orioles in Camden Yards, and taking in breathtaking mountain views of the Blue Ridge.

Papa was a proud member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and served as deacon, building and grounds committee, hospitality committee, vacation bible school leader, food pantry distributor, and any other role he was asked to take on.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 182.

Papa leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 32 years, Dolores Creef, his sister, Terry Saunders and husband, Tommy, his children Teresa Burnham and husband Donald, Felton Creef and wife Karen Michelle , Jeffery Creef, Melisa Toler, Ginger Vervisch and husband Allen, Windy Rose, and Melissa Cooper and husband, Charlie.  His twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren will particularly miss his cheerful, playful personality.  His grandchildren are Ryan Vervisch, Derek Toler, Kayla Brooke Johnson, Justin Toler, Whitney Allison Creef, Haley Creef Morris and husband, Jamey, Garrett Felton Creef and wife McKenzie, Hallie Rayann Rose, Christine Elizabeth Cooper, Abigail Mae Rose, Charlie Eugene Cooper, II, and Caroline Grace Cooper.  His great-grandchildren are Peyton Coates, Tra Brothers, Tate Johnson, and Jase Johnson.  He will also be missed by his nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 3:00. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Azalea Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Columbia.