Wade H Creekmore Jr.

Wade H. Creekmore, Jr., 91, died on November 28, 2025 at home in the arms of the love of his life, wife and caretaker extraordinaire, Betsy. He was a telecommunications pioneer and co-founder of Cellular South, Inc., which now operates under the brand name C Spire.

Wade was born and grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, was schooled at Power and Liberty Grove Elementary, Bailey Junior High, and Central High School class of 1952. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1956, enlisted in the Navy and became an officer before joining its Underwater Demolition Team, the predecessor to the Navy SEALs. His role as a frogman places him among the earliest combat divers in U.S. military history.

He resigned his commission in 1960 to become manager and an officer of the Franklin Telephone Company in Franklin County, Mississippi. He remained an officer and director until his passing. In 1964, Wade enrolled in the Ole Miss Law School and graduated in 1967. He, Betsy and their daughters then relocated back to Meadville where he practiced law before moving permanently to Jackson.

Later, Wade and his brother, James H. Creekmore, Sr., along with other family members invested in wireless communications. Cellular South became one of the first wireless networks in the nation. In 2011, the company was rebranded as C Spire, reflecting its evolution into a full-service telecommunications and technology provider of which the C Spire Foundation is a key part.

His visionary business achievements fail to reveal his full identity. Wade had a deep commitment to community enrichment. He founded the Southwest Mississippi Chess Foundation and the Franklin Chess Center, based in Meadville, MS, which provide high level chess instruction for Franklin County 2nd–12th grade students and has made a profound impact on young people in his beloved Franklin County. Its success has brought championships and national recognition.

Never one to rest, Wade once swam across the Mississippi River. He competed in road races, Senior Olympics, and triathlons from his forties into his seventies. He was inducted into the Ole Miss Alumni Hall of Fame and the Ole Miss Business School Hall of Fame.

A stamp and memorabilia collector, his interests and activities were mutually expansive. In his later years, on family property in Warren County with nothing but a shovel and stubborn commitment, he single-handedly planted several thousand oak trees to make the world better and more beautiful for future generations.

These accomplishments and activities fall short of describing his true nature. He was a deeply loved and respected husband and a gentle and caring rock of a father who had a watchful and unwavering abiding love for his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A good friend to man’s best friend, every dog that Wade encountered fell for him immediately.

Often thought by many to be a quiet man, Wade might unexpectedly make his presence known with a rebel yell or a joking shout of “get naked”! He was a wise teacher whose class expanded across his many interests. He enjoyed sharing his reasoned point of view in a way that was equally edifying and entertaining.

While clearly a man among men throughout his life, Wade’s selfless countenance displayed clear and steadfast expressions of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to all who knew him well. Though humbly unaware, he produced a bounty of such fruit not for his name, but to exalt the precious name of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Wade and his family have been dedicated members of Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church for many years.

Wade was predeceased by his parents Wade and Mildred Creekmore, and by great-granddaughter Alice Elizabeth Peaster.

Surviving are his wife of sixty-five years Betsy Salisbury Creekmore and his brother Jimmy Creekmore (Meredith), daughters Ashley Meena (Hu), Beth Pickering (Chip), and Sidney Crews (Holt). Survivors also include grandchildren Taylor Peaster (Matt), Betsy Oellerich (Matthew), Ann Clardy Burrow (Matthew), Vic Meena, Wade Meena, Lee Meena, Holt Crews, Jr (Grace), Elkin Crews (Alexis), and David Crews. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Hamp Peaster, Rho Peaster, Harper Oellerich and Wells Oellerich. Nieces and nephews, Dolly Goings (Wesley), Hiram Creekmore, Betsy Blue (Billy), and David Neill (Scottie).

Special thanks to caregivers who have been so faithful during his illness. Barbara Brooks, Rosie Jackson, Reynelle Cornelius, Ebony Cornelius, William Cornelius, and Gerald Williams.

Visitation will be at First Presbyterian Church, Monday 4-6 p.m., Miller Hall (please park in the Pinehurst lot), and Tuesday, 10 a.m., in the Greeting Courtyard. Memorial Service, Tuesday, 11 a.m, in the Sanctuary.

Memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.