John Creel

John Arthur Creel was born on October 22, 1959, in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Mountain Brook High School in 1978 and later attended UAB, where he was an active and spirited member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE).

John met the love of his life, Joecasa “Jo” Wallace, in Pensacola, Florida, in 1989. From the moment they found each other, they were rarely apart. They married on December 2, 1995, and built a life filled with laughter, loyalty, and the kind of partnership that made everyone around them believe in true love.

Known for his impeccable style, John carried himself with the same ease and charm that defined his personality. He was kind, generous, and quick with a joke — the sort of man people naturally trusted with their worries and their stories. Many found in him a confidant, an advisor, and a steady source of humor and warmth.

John and Jo were famous for hosting gatherings at their home, celebrating everything from special occasions to Alabama football. If there was a reason to bring people together, John found it — and if there wasn’t, he made one. Besides Jo, his greatest passions were golf, skiing, and Alabama football. Roll Tide!

John spent his career working alongside his father, Glen, and his brother, Rusty, helping build Creel Equipment Company into a trusted and respected lawn‑care distributorship. After succeeding his father as President, John and Rusty—who served as Vice President—continued to grow the company and strengthen the relationships it was known for. The two retired together in 2015, closing a proud chapter of shared family dedication.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn (Wilson) Creel, and his father, Glen R. Creel, Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Creel; his brother, Rusty Creel (Tammy), and niece Molly; sisters‑in‑law Delta Jernigan and Cyndi (Ken) Bonifay; brother‑in‑law Buddy Wallace; and nieces and nephews Jessica Wallace, Cody McDonald, Hannah Doubek, and Ace Wallace. He also leaves behind many, many close friends whom he loved dearly — and who loved him right back.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.