John W. Creasy, a resident of Suffolk, VA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 18, 2023, at the age of 91. Born in Wrightsville Beach, NC, to James and Mabel Richardson Creasy, he lived a long and fulfilling life marked by service to his country, a deep-seated faith, and a memorable charm that endeared him to many. He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings James Creasy and Ruth Costabile, and his wife, Maria Christina Creasy.
John W. Creasy is survived by his children: Cusi and her husband Rick Hamlin, along with their children Melissa Westerman, and Brandon and his wife Brittany (and their children Nathan and Ellieahna Hamlin); Melissa Creasy and her wife Marianne McKee; Christine Narcomey and her son Russell McKinney; John J Creasy and his husband Jeffery Perque, and John’s children Paul, Brandon, and Lindsey Creasy; and his stepson Gary and his wife Kathleen Hall and their daughter Kasey Hall.
Growing up in Wrightsville Beach, John W. Creasy developed a lifelong love for the coast. In 1950, he embarked on a distinguished career with the United States Coast Guard, serving for nearly 21 years. A significant portion of his service was spent at the Marine Safety Office in New Orleans, where his expertise as a Boatswain Mate and his mastery of knot tying became well-recognized. This expertise led to his selection as the United States Coast Guard representative at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, a testament to his skill and dedication. After retiring from offshore work in 1990, John and Maria relocated to the Seattle area in 1991, living with family before moving to Galveston, TX, in 2005, and finally settling in Suffolk, VA, in 2009.
Affectionately known as “The Old Rat,” “Trouble,” and “Abuelo” in his later years, John W. Creasy was a true character, particularly known for his warm interactions with women. His daily routine often included breakfast outings followed by visits to stores like Wal-Mart, where he was known to “sweet talk” and charm the ladies, earning him “girlfriends” wherever he went. In his later years, as he required more assistance, a team of caregivers became a cherished part of his life. He affectionately named many of them, such as Rhonda the Rodent, Tracy the Squirrel, and Angela the Country Girl, among others, recognizing the blessing they were in his life and, in turn, being a blessing to them.
A pivotal moment in John W. Creasy’s life was his acceptance of Jesus Christ in 1995. This marked a profound transformation, shifting him from a man described as bitter and angry to one filled with peace. From that point forward, his faith became central to his life. He dedicated himself to sharing his faith with others, expressing his devotion through inspirational poems, daily Bible reading, and praising the Lord in song and word. Remarkably, his handwriting, once difficult to decipher, improved significantly with age and his commitment to writing, seen as a manifestation of his spiritual growth. One of his frequently shared inspirational phrases was CRABTOP – an acronym for Confess, Repent, Accept, Believe, Trust, Obey, and Pray – principles that he believed strengthened his faith and inspired those around him.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of John W. Creasy will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr, Suffolk, VA, officiated by Pastor Brad Abley. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation at 10:00 am prior to the service.
To learn more about John W. Creasy’s daily life and endearing personality, you can watch a video tribute here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=srnE7OgQefs&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE.
