Joseph Worth Creech
|
|
| Worth's children with Olympic Parham |
|---|
| William Manley Creech Nov. 4, 1942 Norfolk, VA-June 26, 2023 Virginia Beach, VA; Buried in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk, VA |
Joseph "Worth" Creech led a distinguished life marked by significant military service during World War II, a highly successful career as a general contractor, and a deep commitment to his family and community. From his early days in rural North Carolina to his prominent role in construction and community leadership in Virginia, Worth's journey was characterized by hard work, resilience, and a notable dedication to excellence.
Joseph Worth Creech was born on December 1, 1917, in Johnston County, North Carolina. He was the third child of Manley and Lillian Stancil Creech. Worth grew up alongside his four siblings: William Leslie Creech, Creola Beatrice Creech, Joseph Manley Creech Jr., and Paul Douglas Creech. Worth was notably the tallest of the brothers, standing about 6'2" tall and weighing over 250 pounds. He completed elementary school but left formal education in 1933 to contribute to his family.
On April 8, 1939, Worth married Olympia Parham in Danville, Virginia. Olympia, born on May 13, 1908, was from Mars Hill in Madison County, North Carolina, and was the daughter of William Gooch Parham (b. 1880) and Bertha (b. 1885). Worth affectionately nicknamed her "John Henry."
In his early career, Worth worked for Doyle and Russell Construction Company in Richmond, Virginia. He gained extensive experience in painting, skillfully using both brushes and paint guns, and quickly rose to the position of foreman of the paint crew. This early experience laid the foundation for his remarkable 81.5 years of experience as a painter.
Worth and Olympia welcomed one son, William Manley Creech, born on November 4, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia.
Worth's civilian expertise in painting led to his significant involvement in World War II. On August 7, 1943, Joseph Worth Creech was ordered to active duty in the U.S. Navy at Portsmouth, Virginia, and then temporarily released. However, he was recalled to active duty just a week later, on August 14, 1943, to report to the Navy Recruiting Station in Richmond, Virginia, before being sent to Great Lakes, Illinois. On August 15, 1943, he took out a $10,000 life insurance policy, naming Olympia Creech and their son, William Manley Creech, as beneficiaries.
Worth became a proud U.S. Navy Seabee, a member of the 83rd Naval Construction Battalion, specifically trained as a painter. On August 11, 1943, he was already painting for the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, managing the painting of the U.S. Naval Training School's new buildings, a project valued at $500,000. Lieut. Commander Edwin H. Downes, the Commanding Officer, highly commended J.W. Creech in a letter, praising his commendable execution of responsibilities, pleasing personality, high intelligence, and unlimited effort.
He continued his training with distinction, completing his Painter Third Class course with a grade of 3.6 out of 4.0 on June 12, 1944, and his Painter Second Class course with the same high grade on January 12, 1945, both at USNTC in Great Lakes, Illinois. During his time there, on September 13, 1944, he lived ashore with his family at 220 Scranton Avenue, Lake Bluff, Illinois, and later in Waukegan, opting not to eat at the Navy mess.
In March 1945, Worth received secret orders that led him to San Francisco. By June 16, 1945, he received additional secret orders for a permanent change of station, with the specific location omitted for security reasons. His duty stations included Samar and the Philippine Islands. From November 5 to November 20, 1945, he proudly served with the Occupation Forces in Tientsin, China, under the command of the Third Amphibious Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on November 20, 1945.
After his military service, Worth returned to painting in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1950, he built his first house, showcasing his expanding skills. In 1954, he founded J.W. Creech, Inc., a family-owned general contracting business specializing in commercial buildings. His leadership and expertise led him to serve as a past president of the Associated General Contractors of Virginia, a testament to his prominence in the industry.
Worth was also a committed member of the Norfolk community, serving as a charter member of the Harbor Club of Norfolk.
Worth's first wife, Olympia, passed away in December 1976 in Norfolk, Virginia, and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery there.
On August 4, 1978, Worth married Nancy Ayers McClees in Norfolk, Virginia. Nancy, born on December 8, 1930, was a former City Council member and a respected business and community leader in her own right, notably organizing the Neptune Festival for many years. Worth and Nancy shared their lives with Nancy's stepdaughters, Martha McClees and Mindy Hamilton, and stepson, David McClees. They were also blessed with five grandchildren: Lee Creech, Mathew Creech, Joshua Hamilton, Adam Hamilton, and Brittney Hamilton.
In his later years, Worth faced health challenges. In a letter dated April 22, 1996, his sister Creola noted that he was in a Plymouth, Virginia, hospital and suffering from Alzheimer's.
Joseph Worth Creech passed away on March 26, 2000, at the age of 82. A private graveside service was held for the family at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia, where he was laid to rest beside his first wife, Olympia. A memorial service, officiated by the Rev. Mark Delcuze of the Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach, was held on Thursday, March 30. The family requested that memorial donations be made to the Virginia Marine Science Museum.
Worth's son, William Manley Creech, passed away on June 26, 2023, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is buried in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk.
Joseph Worth Creech is remembered as a man of great stature, both physically and in his accomplishments. His dedication to his country, his pioneering spirit in business, and his enduring family bonds leave a lasting legacy.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil