Monroe - Charles M. Creech, Sr. passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 31, 2021.

Charles was the fourth child born in Concord, NC on April 10, 1923 to Grover W. and Agnes Talbert Creech.  He was brought up with a strong Christian faith and belief which sustained him throughout his life, bringing comfort through times of adversity.  He received his religious education at home and at Epworth Methodist Church and later was baptized at First Baptist Church in Marshville where he has been a member for over 75 years and lived two doors down the street for over 50 years before moving to Monroe in 2007.

He grew up at 357 Ann Street in Concord in a home full of love and hugs but also with high expectations for personal responsibility, hard work, thriftiness and following Christ.  Dad often told the story of his father coming home one week and asking at the dinner table if he had weeded the rose garden as his father had "asked" before going out of town.  Dad had not done his chores so he was "requested" to complete his task and then he could rejoin the family for dinner.

Charles was entrepreneurial and hard working from an early age.  He especially loved his paper route where he would get up at 5am, pick up the Greensboro Daily News and deliver them all over Concord on his bicycle and then deliver the Concord Daily Tribune in the afternoon. He had to collect the subscription money from customers and learned much about human nature and the reality of life.

After graduating from Concord High where he was voted "Best Dressed", he started his career in the payroll office of Cannon Mills.  He soon met the love of his life, a teacher named Allie George Edwards.  They married and Charles soon made his dream of owning a dime store come true.  Starting in Marshville, NC, he built Creech 5 & 10 into a regional chain of successful stores.  Later in life, he became the first Realtor in Union County, graduating from the Realtor's Institute in Chapel Hill and developed Cherio Lane, Marshville, building numerous houses in the Marshville area.  Later he joined the City of Charlotte's Real Estate Division, retiring in 1984 as its Acting Head and while there acquired numerous parcels for various parks and greenways in the Charlotte area.

Charles, Sarah and Morrison were born to Charles and Allie George during their 63 years of marriage and he was a great dad and granddad!  A genuine, wise and kind man, Charles wielded a keen intellect, quick wit and a genuine interest in helping others.  Known for his humility and graciousness as well as love of a good or not so good joke, he will be missed by those whose lives he touched over nearly a century of service.

Charles is survived by his children, Charles M. Creech, Jr. (Marilyn), Sarah Creech Vick (Dr. John) and Morrison Creech (Lib).  He is also survived by grandchildren, Charles M. Creech, III (Nicole), Henry Creech (Danielle), Allie Vick Allen (Marcus), Suzanna Vick Wooten (Jackson), Will Creech and Austin Creech (Krystal) along with nine great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all of his wonderful caregivers for the past three years who allowed him to live comfortably in his home and with dignity and loving care and plenty of chocolate ice cream.  And special thanks to Dr. John Vick and Union Family Practice whose care we are certain added years to his life.    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Marshville, PO Box 667, Marshville, NC 28103, or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Charles will be 2 PM Monday, January 3, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Marshville.  Those in attendance are encouraged to practice social distancing and wear face coverings. Burial will be private in the Edwards-Creech plot of the Marshville City Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Monday from 1 – 1:45 at the church.

Morgan & Son Funeral Home is serving the Creech family.  Please keep the family in your prayers during this difficult time.