The Rev. Dr. Howard W. Creecy Sr., 79, founder and senior pastor of The Olivet Church in Fayetteville, died Feb. 28, 2008. He was the son of the late Rev. and Mrs. Willie W. Creecy of New Orleans, La. He began preaching at age 13 and was pastor at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church from 1962 until his retirement in 1991. The following year, he helped his son, the Rev. Howard Creecy Jr., found Olivet Church in Fayette County. A Sacred Service of the Sons for a Spiritual Father was held at The Olivet Church in Fayetteville on March 6, with the Rev. Nelson Rivers presiding. Celebration of Life services were held in Atlanta March 7 at the Antioch North Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Cameron M. Alexander, senior pastor, officiating. The Rev. Howard W. Creecy Jr. also preached his father’s funeral. Burial was at The Abby at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Marguerite Portis Creecy; children, Dr. Doris Creecy-Waters, the Rev. Dr. Howard Creecy Jr. and his wife, Yolanda, the Rev. Gardner C. Creecy, and Ms. Candace M. Creecy; brothers, Milton and Ruth Creecy, Lloyd X. and Hattie Creecy, Charles and Helen Wesley; brothers and sisters-in-law Creston Portis, Dr. and Mrs. Julius C. (Louise) Hope, George Portis, Thomas and Jennifer Portis; grandchildren William, Teresa and Kennedy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home was in charge.