Henry Louis Creel was born May 27, 1943 in Laurel, Mississippi to the late Sylvester Creel Sr. and Gettie Mae Creel. Henry was the middle son of 7 born to this union.

Henry confessed Christ at an early age at Palestine Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi. In 1957, when Henry was 14 years-old, his parents relocated the family to Cleveland, OH. He received his formal education in the Cleveland Public Schools and earned his diploma from John Adams High School. Henry furthered his education receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, making him eligible to obtain certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Henry was always a hard worker starting his career at a young age in the grocery business. His first job after receiving his CPA was at TRW. He moved on to a public accounting firm starting his career with Watson & Rice CPA Firm. Not long after Henry joined a partnership with Tony Smith & Company. After 10 years Henry branched out to make his dreams in life a reality and opened his own CPA Firm, Henry L Creel Co., in 1990; providing service until 2018.

The Creel family became long time members of Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Leroy Kelly. Henry was still an active member under the pastorate of Reverend Larry L. Harris Sr.

In 1965, Henry married his Sunday school classmate Mary Alice (Campbell) who was also a devoted Christian at Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church. From that union 3 boys were born: John Henry, Paul and Andrew (deceased). Henry and Mary loved their yearly trips to Aruba and their long drives back to their hometowns of Alabama and Mississippi. Family and friends were very important to Henry, he would lend a helping hand to anyone that asked. He had a gift for building relationships and people naturally gravitated to his charming personality. His work ethics got passed down to his sons.

John Henry presented his dad with a business idea and he gave John Henry one year to propose a business plan. From this idea Mind & Body Fitness was established in 1994 and has been in business for 28 years.

Paul returned from college to assist John Henry with the fitness center. Paul said his father always gave him great advice. “Always deal with your issues.” “Always do right by your mother.” Reminding the boys that he always gave them what they wanted even when they wrecked his cars. Paul and his family enjoyed taking many trips with them.

Henry was an advocate sports fan and loved the game show network. He loved listening to Bobby Blue Bland and listening to Mary sing “My Man” (My Girl). One of his favorite pass

times was gathering his boys to watch Clint Eastwood westerns and golfing with his brothers. Henry held a special place in his heart for his brothers and sisters.

Henry is survived by his beloved wife Mary (Campbell), children John Henry and Paul (Yvette), grandchildren Malinda, William, Cassia and Alivia, and cherished and beloved siblings Sylvester Jr. (Bonnie), Ellis, Carolyn Franklin, Gloria Brooks, mother – in – law Sally Hanks, sister – in – laws Ethel Burts, Carolyn Wright, Ernestine Smith, Claudette Hanks and Miranda Creel, brother – in – laws Calvin Johnson, Charles Hanks, Curtis Hanks and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

Preceding him in death is his son, Andrew, his brothers, Gerald and Marvin, three sister – in – laws, Barbara Creel, Joyce Creel and Elizabeth Brown, and two brother – in – laws Willie Franklin and Ronnie Brooks Sr.