Charles “Charlie” William Creel

Charles "Charlie" William Creel, 71, of Moultrie, died at his home on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. A celebration of Charlie's life will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Lake Ellen Baptist Church of Crawfordville, FL. with Reverend Keith Wallace officiating. The family will receive friends at 1:00pm and the services will follow at 2:00pm. 

Born on March 6, 1953, in Brunswick, Georgia, he was the son of Virginia Lang Barnes and the late Ernest P. Creel. Charlie graduated with an Associate's degree from Jacksonville Community College before embarking on a distinguished career in law enforcement. In 1974, he graduated as a proud member of the 47th Florida Highway Patrol class, marking the beginning of a 30-year career with the Florida Highway Patrol. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment earned him widespread respect among his peers and the community he served. While working with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Charlie had the honor to be selected and serve as the liaison between the office of Governor Lawton Chiles and the FHP. In addition to that role, he also traveled and handled all of the security detail for Lieutenant Governor Buddy MacKay, a position that underscored his unwavering dedication and leadership. After retiring from FHP, Charlie was elected to serve as Sheriff of Wakulla County from 2012 to 2016. Charlie's greatest joy was his family; particularly his beloved granddaughter, Finleigh, who brought endless light into his life. 

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, always putting family first and cherishing the time spent with them. He was of the Baptist faith. Charlie loved the outdoors, in particular hunting and fishing. Bird hunting was a way of life for him. One of the highlights in Charlie's life was traveling to many different countries for upland hunting.

He was preceded in death by his father, stepfather, Bill Barnes and nephew, Nicholas Condon. 

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Cheryl Davis Creel of Moultrie, Ga; daughter, Hillary Taylor and husband Steadman of Thomasville, Ga; granddaughter, Finleigh Taylor; mother, Virginia Lang Barnes of Crawfordville, FL; siblings, Edward Creel (Dot), Crawfordville, FL; Jan Condon (Dan), Tallahassee, FL; and June Vause (Eugene), Crawfordville, FL; step-sister, Carolyn Fuqua, Tallahassee, FL; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.