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Conway...Johnny Samuel Creel, eighth child of John Harlie and Bessie Sessions Creel, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at his home in Conway. Born in the Four Mile Section of Horry County on April 3, 1919, he spent most of his life in Conway and Myrtle Beach. He served during World War II with the 7th Port of Embarkation, which played a major role in preparing for and supporting the June 6, 1944, "D-Day" invasion of Europe. The division also served in the Pacific. Mr. Creel was well known in local business and government circles. He was Horry County's first full-time Civil Defense Director and developed the original emergency preparedness plans for natural and man-made disasters in Horry County. He also developed and implemented the first county-wide ambulance service which evolved into today's EMS. He was instrumental in establishing Horry County's first drug court and retired from the County as Chief Summary Court Judge. For many years he was general manager of Apache Family Campground in Myrtle Beach and served several terms on the Myrtle Beach Accommodations Board. Mr. Creel was active in Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs during his Career. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge #65 and Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Conway where he remained active until the last days of his life. He is survived by his daughter Cindy (Dan) Epps of Matthews, NC. One son John (Rebekah) Creel of North Myrtle Beach and Charlotte, NC. Three grandsons Jason (Katie) Epps of Greenville, SC, Alex (Julie Lufkin) Epps of Tacoma, WA and Robert Creel of North Myrtle Beach. He is also survived by two great granddaughters, Abigail and Mary Frances Epps of Greenville, SC; and two sisters, Blu (Gil) Turner of Salisbury, MD and Wyoma (Bill) Bean of Myrtle Beach. Mr. Creel was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, LaVerne Houk Creel and a daughter Sandra Creel. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sandra Stevens Poirel officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery with Military Honors and Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Bessie Creel Endowment at Conway Medical Center, 300 Singleton Ridge Road, Conway, SC 29526 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 198 Long Ave, Conway, SC 29526. Online memorial messages may be sent to www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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Johnny Creel

April 3, 1919 - June 18, 2011