Genealogy Data Page 538 (Notes Pages)

Note: Published in the Winston-Salem Journal on
2/3/2004.
PILOT MOUNTAIN - Curtis Woodrow Creed, 78, slipped
out of this mortal life and into the loving arms
of our Savior on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004. He left
behind a loving wife of 58 years, Maude Allen
Creed. The fruit of their life together can be
seen in a faithful daughter and son-in-law, Kathy
and Phil Sutphin of Westfield, along with two
wonderful grandchildren, Jonathan and Sarah
Sutphin, both of Westfield. He also leaves behind
two brothers and their wives, Jimmie and Carlene
Creed of Level Cross and Kenneth and Carol Creed
of Siloam; and two sisters and their husbands,
Lucy and the Rev. Marion Fulk of Kannapolis and
Jewel and Ray Coe of Dobson. He is also remembered
by many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. Mr.
Creed was born June 12, 1925, in Siloam to Lester
and Lilly Creed, who preceded him in death. Other
loved ones who departed this life before him
include a son, Woody and three sisters, Mae Ola
Fosey, Stella Hardy and Gladys Harvey. In the
early 1950s, Mr. Creed professed Jesus Christ as
his personal Savior and Lord. He became a member
of Pilot View United Methodist Church, where he
faithfully served his Redeemer as church
treasurer, along with the positions of lay-leader
and speaker. On any given evening, he could be
found at the church performing tasks as menial as
washing windows or shepherding major projects such
as carpentry, plumbing, heating or
air-conditioning repair. In the warmer months, he
could be found beautifying his Lord's facilities
as he patiently rode a lawn mower or carried a
weed-eater while manicuring the grounds. However,
Curtis not only professed his faith in Christ, he
also demonstrated his commitment to our Lord for
all to see through his everyday actions and love
for others. Not only was he a loving husband,
father, grandfather, brother and uncle, but he
faithfully practiced our Lord's commandment to
"love one another" in everything that he did. Mr.
Creed was the owner and operator of City Barber
Shop in Pilot Mountain for 56 years. While
barbering, he not only served the Lord with his
talent, but also subtly shared his faith by
swapping stories and tall tales with his many
faithful customers and friends who will now miss
his companionship. Few men were quicker to help a
friend or stranger in need. He always put other
people's needs before his own. After a long day in
the barber shop, the evening hours would often
find him at a neighbor's home helping to repair a
roof or ensuring that a widow had enough firewood
to last through the winter. Because of his
commitment to performing the will of his Savior,
he built ramps for the handicapped, performed
carpentry work for the needy and comforted
grieving friends who had lost loved ones. As a
young man when our nation's liberty was
threatened, Curtis obediently answered his
country's call by serving in the armed forces
during World War II. He participated in the Battle
of the Bulge, thus playing a role in bringing this
great tragedy to a swift end. Curtis remained
active in reunions with Battle of the Bulge
veterans and maintained active membership in the
Pilot Mountain VFW Post 9436 until his passing.
Mr. Creed also believed that faith in our Savior
was not only demonstrated by his love for family
and friends, but to total strangers and the
less-fortunate in our community. After several
tragic fires proved so painful to his rural
surroundings, he was instrumental in forming the
Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department, where he
served in many capacities, including fire chief.
He was a past president and chaplain of the Surry
County Firemen's Association. Mr. Creed was also a
charter member of the Pilot Mountain Rescue Squad.
Through these organizations, he demonstrated our
Savior's love to many unknown souls during times
of great anguish. In the little leisure time he
allowed himself, Curtis had a passion for the game
of golf. Again, this translated into being with
friends, telling stories and enjoying the
outdoors. Anyone who played golf with Curtis knew
to expect long rounds as he loved hunting for
"lost" golf balls as much as actually playing the
game. Throughout his adult life, Curtis allowed
others to see Jesus in him through his love, which
he so freely gave. When asked why he worked so
hard, he would reply that there would be plenty of
time to rest later. Until his recent
hospitalization, he truly lived every day to its
fullest, enjoying the simple things of life such
as family, friends and fellowship. We as mortals
are saddened by his passing, but rejoice in the
knowledge that the words of our Master, "Well
done, thou good and faithful servant," are still
fresh in his immortal spirit and that he is
comfortably resting in his Heavenly home. The
service for Mr. Creed will be held at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Pilot View United Methodist
Church, with burial following in the church
cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7
to 9 this evening, Feb. 3, at Howell Funeral Home
in Pilot Mountain and other times at his home. In
lieu of flowers, the family requests that
memorials be made to the Pilot View United
Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Mrs. Francis
Allen, 1619 Shoals Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043. The
family wishes to express their appreciation for
all the visits, prayers and tokens of kindness
during Mr. Creed's illness. They also wish to
thank all the doctors, nurses, emergency workers
and health-care professionals who so lovingly
cared for Curtis during this difficult time.