Anthony Ray Creel's Obituary
ANTHONY RAY CREEL
9/1/1959 – 2/5/2020
Although he called Louisiana home, Anthony Ray Creel “Tony” was born on September 1, 1959 at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. Tony died peacefully at home in Kelsey, California surrounded by loved ones on February 5, 2020 following his valiant battle with cancer, which he called “Just a bump in the road.” He was predeceased by his parents Douglas and Jeannine. He is survived by wife of more than 20 years, Jo Ann; second mom, Beverly-Jo of Sacramento, California; children Maria “Jeanie” (Chris) Clatte of Kelsey; Jason of Lockport, New York; Scott (Esperanza “Espie”) of Munstergeleen, Netherlands; grandsons Travis (Emilie) Clatte, of Kelsey, and Austin (Whitney) Clatte of Sacramento; and great-grandsons Aiden of Kelsey, and Dean of Sacramento, great-granddaughter Peyton (due in May); brother Bruce (Ellen) of Shreveport, Louisiana; sister Nora “Bibi” (Randy) Hewitt of Florence, Mississippi; nephews Brandon of Shreveport, Clay Michael Cantrell and Reece Hewitt of Florence; and many other family, FAMMOLY, and friends.
Tony’s sense of adventure led him to enlist in the Air Force immediately following his high school graduation. His first duty assignment was at Fairford Air Force Base, Washington where he met and married Jason and Scott’s mother, Rose Smith. Throughout the next 21 years, Tony’s career allowed him to see many parts of the world including Belgium, South Dakota, Turkey, Germany, Michigan, Saudi Arabia, Nevada, and Italy. This fed his sense of adventure as well as broadened his palate, leading to his deep passion for cooking. Throughout his lifetime, wherever stationed, he volunteered in numerous capacities with community organizations such as the Cub Scouts of America, youth sports, and school programs. While in Italy, he met the love of his life, Jo Ann. In addition, he helped in the creation and implementation of the first Special Olympics program in Aviano, Italy. Following Tony’s retirement in 1998, he joined Jo Ann in Hawaii, and they were married on July 9, 1999. While in Hawaii, Tony pursued his passion for cooking by attending the Culinary Institute of Hawaii. Although he never chose cooking as a career, he spent the remainder of his lifetime cooking for any and every event that came along. He loved making people happy and serving them.
Tony and Jo Ann relocated to Santa Maria, California on December 31, 1999 where he began his second career as a Branch Administrator for Graybar Electric. Following Jo Ann’s retirement in 2004, they moved to Kelsey where Tony continued his Graybar Electric career in Rancho Cordova, while tending the 10+ acres of his “Ranch” home. In addition to his employment, Tony dedicated countless hours to serving homeless veterans, serving for three years as the President of the Sacramento Standdown Association. He was also a life member of the VFW, Post 10125, Rancho Cordova. Tony took particular interest in the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy program, allowing middle and high school students to compete in essay contests for college scholarships. He considered that his way of passing on his love for the United States of America to the younger generation. This continued his long-standing role of mentoring in both his personal and professional life.
Tony’s love for family, FAMMOLY, and friends was limitless. He regularly kept in contact with classmates from middle school, coworkers from around the world, and had a genuine need to foster loving relationships. There was nothing Tony wouldn’t do for those he loved or for strangers in need. His zest for life, his sense of humor, and his positive attitude during the battle of his life has shown us all how to truly live. Heaven is a little brighter, our world is a little darker, and the light that he brought, his legacy will live on through all of us and those he met throughout his life.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 10:00 am at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville Blvd, Sacramento, CA and will be followed by a reception at Rio Linda Community Center, 810 Oak Ln, Rio Linda, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tony’s name. Tony supported the American Cancer Society, Snowline Hospice, and the United Service Organization (USO).
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