Mr. Donald Ray Creech

Donald Ray Creech, age 48, married for 24 years to Katrina (Linder) Creech of Phoenixville, PA, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023 in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Born on July 31, 1974 in Raleigh, NC, he was the son of Sheila C., wife of Clyde Stevens of Raleigh, NC and the late Shannon R. Creech. Don was a 1992 graduate of Garner Senior High School in Garner, NC. He received his Associate's degree from the Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, NC, and furthered his education at North Carolina State University. Don began his career as a research scientist at Burroughs Wellcome & Company, and through several mergers he worked for Glaxo Wellcome and most recently for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Don was first and foremost a proud and dedicated father and family man. He attended all of his son Tyler's soccer games and events, often photographing the entire team to share as fond memories. The family trips to Disney World and Disneyland over the years left memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. He had an unforgettably warm, infectious, and contagious smile that he shared with all he met. Everybody was a friend, and nobody was a stranger. He enjoyed meeting new people, and giving of himself and his knowledge while expecting nothing in return. Don was an enthusiastic fan of NC State Wolfpack athletics, where he had lifetime seats in Carter-Finley Stadium to attend the football games. He enjoyed tailgating, and in addition to cooking in general, he had an affinity for grilling and smoking meat. He was an avid fisherman, both in freshwater lakes near home and deep-sea fishing in the Outer Banks with his close-knit groups of fishing buddies. He was a member of the Garner Senior High Marching Band, All State Band and Concert Band where he was a gifted trumpet player. Don also enjoyed camping and riding his Harley. In addition to his wife, Don is survived by one son, Tyler R. Creech at home; one sister, Michelle C., wife of Matthew Morrison of Raleigh, NC; Katrina's parents, Vaughn and Colleen Linder of Lawrenceville, PA; one sister-in-law, Kimberly L., wife of Jason Keir of Clinton, MS; nephew and niece, Gavin and Kyla Keir; many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and countless friends; and his loving dog, Ziggy. Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org/donate. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Mr. Donald Ray Creech

July 31, 1974 - January 2, 2023