TITLE: In memory of Robert Lee Creel of Highlands.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert Lee Creel of Highlands.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of Robert Lee Creel of Highlands on January 20, 2015, at the age of 92; and WHEREAS, R. L. Creel was born in Livingston on September 11, 1922, the second of 10 children of Jim and Leora Creel; growing up in the Baytown area during the Great Depression, he learned the value of hard work at an early age and took a job delivering ice in the mornings before school; he served as cocaptain of the football team during his years at Robert E. Lee High, and his fellow students honored him with the title of Mr. Robert E. Lee of the class of 1940; and WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Creel settled in Highlands, where he owned and operated Creel's Auto Parts and Service while also working as a real estate broker; throughout his half-century in that field, he played a vital role in local housing development, helping to promote growth in the community, and in 2010 he was honored by the Texas Real Estate Commission for maintaining his license for 50 uninterrupted years; in addition to his automotive and real estate businesses, he was employed by New York Life Insurance Company for 38 years; and WHEREAS, Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Mr. Creel served as a member of the Highlands Rotary Club for 55 years, and he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1981; he was also a valued member of Peace Tabernacle Church and later of Harvest Temple; and WHEREAS, Mr. Creel was, above all else, devoted to his wife, Thelma Adams Creel, and his children, Sharon Lee, Robert Dwayne, William Reeves, Mark Allan, and Mary Margaret; and WHEREAS, While the death of R. L. Creel brings great sadness to his family and friends, he leaves behind a legacy that will long be treasured by all those who held him dear; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Robert Lee Creel and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his children, Sharon Biehle, Robert Dwayne Creel and his wife, Patty, William R. Creel and his wife, Cindy, and Mary Margaret Creel; to his grandchildren, Blake Spanier and his wife, Bonnie, Coady Creel and his wife, Ty, Casey Creel and his wife, Jennifer, Blair Biehle and his wife, Sarah, Hillary Armstrong and her husband, Luke, and Alex, Jana, and Mary Catherine Creel; to his great-grandchildren, Colin and Lila Creel, Randy and Ryan Armstrong, and Brooklyn Biehle; to his sisters, Jimmyrtle Rogers, Daris Galloway, Jeanette Haddox, Coya Eddleman, and Loretta Moreau; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Robert Lee Creel. Smith Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 489 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 5, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House