Dr. Harlan L. Creech, Jr. Reverend Creech, 96, of Charlotte, died Monday, June 15, 2009 at Asbury Care Center. Dr. Creech was born September 21, 1912 in Barnwell, SC, and was the son of the late Professor Harlan L. Creech, Sr. and Jenny Lou Hutto Creech. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Rebecca Capps Creech; brothers, Charles Creech and Dr. James Creech; and sisters, Dorothy Turner and Ida Mintz. A 1933 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College, he earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Duke University in 1936 and an honorary Doctor's degree from Pfeiffer College in 1965. He was ordained a Deacon and an Elder in 1937 and 1939 respectively. Dr. Creech served as a pastor for over 40 years in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church serving pastorates in Gold Hill/Mt. Pleasant/Cool Springs/Bethlehem, Winston-Salem, Asheboro, Lenoir, Salisbury, Morganton, Albemarle, twice in Charlotte, and was District Superintendent of the Charlotte District. He retired in 1977. Harlan was an athlete his entire life. He played tennis and football in college. As an adult Dr. Creech loved gardening, hunting, fishing, jogging and was a competitive golfer. Never afraid to try new things, he took up dancing and bridge in his 80's, and learned to play the piano after age 90. Dr. Creech believed in eating the right foods, regular exercise, and healthy living habits. Dr. Creech was a pastor in the deepest sense of the word. He worked tirelessly caring for his church members through sickness, health and facing life's problems. He persuaded people with his example, quiet sincerity, honesty and dedication. Indeed, this was a good life lived to its fullest by a good man. He is survived by three sons, Harlan L. Creech, III and his wife Jane of Salisbury, David C. Creech of Charlotte, and Timothy M. Creech of Concord; grandchildren and spouses, Joseph Wesley Creech and wife, Nicholeen, Carol Winchester and husband, Chuck, David Creech, Jr. and wife, Sue Ann, Rebecca Ellen Creech, Chris Creech and wife, Tonya, and Manuel Creech; and great-grandchildren, Matalyn Creech, Brooke Winchester, Chad Winchester, Christopher Winchester, Andrew Creech, Liam Creech, Anna Creech, Chris Creech, Kelly Creech, Lan Creech and Kayla Creech. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2009 at Myers Park United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. James Howell officiating. A reception will follow in Jubilee Hall. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Gastonia. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2009 at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia, 700 S New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054. (704) 865-3451. www.mcleanfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207. (704) 376-8584. www.mpumc.org. Online condolences may also be sent to www.mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Dr. Creech.