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.

Dr. Harlan L. Creech, Jr., of Charlotte, died June 15, 2009. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia. From Charlotte Observer http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/charlotte/obituary.aspx?n=harlan-l-creech&pid=128570480

Dear Ownbey Family,

When I got home this aft'n, I had a message from Carmen, Congregational Care Assistant, asking if I could help w/the reception following the "Creech funeral."

Called the church back to learn that Harlan died early this morning.  The funeral service will be this Friday (19th) at 11am.

We might need a few more folks to help w/the reception in Jubilee Hall after the service.  If you can do that, please contact me -- simply press REPLY -- or call, .

James will be conducting the service, so normally Nancy Pryor would be arranging ushers.  Jeanne Poole just checked, and no one seems to be handling this right now.  Therefore, would anyone be able to help usher?  Again, simply contact me.  Thanks.

I will continue checking w/the church as to what the family might need.

I will ask for reserved seating for our class -- usually down front on the lectern side.

I'm going out right after sending this and will get back home after supper.

Peace,
Reatha - Tue - 3:30pm

05/24/09

Dear Ownbey Family, New notes and updates on some of our folks... -------------------------------------------------------------- (from Wilma Miller on Th. May 21) Reatha, I had a call today from BOB JOHNSON in Nashville giving me some sad news about his and Elizabeth Anne's daughter NANCY, who lives in Winston Salem. (By the way, Elizabeth Anne died on May 12 of last year, so Bob is still grieving over losing her.) Nancy has not been feeling well for several months, and after taking her to several doctors in Winston Salem, they have learned that she has numerous tumors up and down her back. He said that two of the tumors are very near the brain stem and all are cancerous. They have been trying to shrink the tumors with radiation. Nancy is on morphine and is allowed no visitors except immediate family. I asked about sending cards to her in the hospital, and he said she would appreciate cards, but to send them in care of his other daughter, Carol. (They may move Nancy into a Hospice unit.) The address is as follows: Miss Nancy Johnson c/o Mrs. Carol Winn 8015 Deverow Court Lewisville, NC 27023 Wilma [and here is Bob's info: Bob Johnson McKendree Village 29 Asbury Ct Hermitage, TN 37076-2163 ____________________________________________ On Wed. Susan Mobley visited TWALA KRUGER after her hip replacement surgery on Tue. She was doing well, but will need some help in running errands over the next few weeks, probably once/twice per week. Now that preschool is over, I can help. Do I have any other volunteers? [I'll see if we have any takers during Sunday school today and send out an update later.] Just email or call (704.552.2378) me. THANKS! Susan also told me that she had visited HARLAN CREECH on Tue. at Asbury. He will be staying there or in their Memory Care Unit. He is still very confused, has fallen a few more times, and presently has a black eye from one of his falls. It is especially rough for sons, DAVID and TIM, because he's "just not their dad"... They now have someone staying w/him 24/7. Cards would be greatly appreciated -- not only for Harlan but also for the "boys." Harlan Creech (David and Tim) 8041 Shiney Meadow Lane CLT * 28215 KEN BUKER had no problems getting his stitches out this past Wed, after his tumble on May 14 (when he broke his nose.) However, he and ANNE decided that they would NOT go to their mountain house this weekend, so if you'd like to call and chat --> 704.333.0921. Saw WILLARD and VIRGINIA GOURLEY at H.O.T. Wed meal this past week, so they are now out and about. Yea! And I am grateful for the kindness of strangers. Last night around 7pm, I came out of Michael's on South Blvd. only to find my front left tire going flat. Long story, short: while I was calling AAA, a couple stopped to help -- they had seen my emergency flashers.. The husband took off my flat, put on my "donut" spare (which also needed air, but that's Part 2 of my story), and I'll be able to get to church this morning. Whew! Hope this finds everyone else doing well. Peace, Reatha - Sun - 5:15am

04/27 Harlan

Harlan is now at Asbury for rehab for about 20 days.

Susan Mobley, RN
Parish Nurse
Myers Park United Methodist Church

04/21/09

Reatha Andrew wrote: (abbreviations edited by don) Dear Ownbey Family, For those of you who were in SS Sunday, you heard Syd say that Harlan had called him Saturday, saying that he and his sons were up at Lake Junaluska. NOT THE CASE. [I saw Susan Mobley as we were both leaving church today.] As we know, Harlan has been VERY confused/disoriented since his fall the other month. Late yesterday, even with a caretaker in the house, he managed to get out and wander over to a neighbors. He was re-admitted to CMC last night. David and Tim are now exploring "care" facility options. I asked Susan if we could help in ANY way, and she said that PRAYERS are our only course right now -- prayers for Harlan and his health, and prayers for his sons as they struggle in finding the best resources to care for him. ON ANOTHER NOTE: Harriette announced Sunday that the Baxters are MOVING BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA! The Baxters were in class, and Gerald elaborated: the move is TEMPORARY, but when they DO move back to NC, they will MOVE TO DURHAM to be near their son. So... we are going to have a BYE-BYE (GARDEN) PARTY for them on Saturday, MAY 16th. More info will follow but wanted you to mark your calendars now. added by Don: The Baxters' current address and telephone number and South African address are at the following link: (ask don for current ID and password - they change) http://www.donredding.com/ownbey/class.html Peace and Blessings, Reatha - Mon - 5pm

3/28/09

Dear Ownbey Family, Thursday I got this update about Harlan from Durward... -------------------------------------------------------------- After having visited Harlan, I have had conversation with Susan Mobley as early as this noon. Following that visit she has spent time with the son David and the hospital staff. The following are my notes of the conversation I have just (3pm) had with Susan: * they want to limit visitation to ONLY hospital staff and family; * they believe NO sleep has added greatly to his mental problems; * he is to be given CHANGED medicine, including some to insure sleep; * when he is to go home is in DOUBT; * his son David has stopped work and will now spend 100% of his available time to be with him; * once we are told by David that he is at home, then working with David to get permission to visit will be advisable. If we call his number at home, David will pick up on all messages. Therefore I suggest someone be asked on behalf of the SS class to call every 2 or 3 days to get a status report and to determine if and when he is at home. Then, and only then, arrange for permission to visit. This is the essence of the current situation. Prayers are appropriate! Durward (Th. Mar. 26) ____________________________________________ On a lighter note... Last Monday night, after Ellen's presentation (Women of the O.T.), Carol Needy told me about a neat show on the History Channel -- BATTLES B.C. It's been on Monday nights at 9pm. Carol said that on the 16th, it was about DAVID, and this past Monday, I saw most of the JOSHUA segment. I looked thru my TV listing guide and found that segments ALSO come on TODAY at 3, 4, and 11pm (this one is supposed to be the DAVID one again). And at 5pm, there's a program entitled BIBLE BATTLES. That's the HISTORY CHANNEL, cable 65. I hope to at least stop by class tomorrow. We are saying goodbye to Thomas Moore after Church in the Round, so I might be needed there to "direct traffic flow." Also hope that some of you will be involved in our Mission Madness tomorrow! I'm working w/the McCreesh Place cookout :-) Peace, Reatha - Sat - 8am

3/14/09

Dear Ownbey Family, Durward emailed me last night and talked w/some of us this morning (while we hosted our Room in the Inn guests) about his visiting Harlan yest'y and the cramped semi-private room he found him in. Harlan was "confused" and was also fixated on getting out of "this jail." I called Susan Mobley at home a little while ago and found out a bit more: Harlan's fall that Bill Roth referred to (in my earlier email) happened about 10 days ago. He's been in the hospital since, but depending how he progresses, might soon go home w/son David serving as his caregiver. Both David and Tim visit Harlan daily. Durward suggested that we also send a class member daily. We'll discuss this idea during class tomorrow. In the meantime, please continue your prayers for Harlan and his family. To paraphrase James (Howell): "Harlan has persistently proved to be resilient." Peace and Blessings, Reatha - Sat - 1:15pm