Mr. Raymond Earl Creasey

On January 24, 2025, Raymond Earl Creasey passed away peacefully in a room full of family – just the way he would have wanted.

Raymond wasn’t one for formalities or making a fuss over himself. If he had it his way, we’d all skip this part and get back to hunting golf balls, rereading every Louis L’Amour book ever written, or sipping coffee with good company. But since he isn’t here to stop us, we thought we’d say a few things anyway.

Raymond was born in 1945 to Mary Helen Gladney and Buford Lee Creasy in Florence, Alabama. While he lost his father at a young age, his momma later married JW Gladney, the man he knew and loved as his dad. He came from a big family and cherished his siblings: Troy, Ethel, Virginia and Helen. His parents, Troy, and Helen have already gone ahead, and we hold on to the hope that they are reunited now and telling each other the most ridiculous stories.

Raymond knew the value of hard work from an early age. He started working for Kroger as a teenager and stayed with them until retirement. While that’s unheard of by today’s standards, it sounds just like him: loyal, steady, and hardworking.

But life wasn’t just about work – he knew how to enjoy the simple things, too.  Raymond never turned down a round of golf, an Arby’s roast beef sandwich, or a reason to light up a Winston.  He loved beat-up hats, his three Shelties, and watching his grandsons play baseball.  He was an undiscovered poet, sang old country tunes in a voice so deep it could rattle the floorboards, and loved telling slighty off-color jokes – just enough to make you blush but never enough to get him in any real trouble.

Most of all Raymond loved his family. For 56 years he was married to his best friend and British crush, Carol. Together, they raised two children, Kimberly Hagler and Greg(ory)Creasey, and later shared their greatest joy in their   five grandchild and one great grandchild:  Mathew, Mason, Adelai, Thatcher, Olive and Salem.

True to form, Raymond wasn’t one for big ceremonies. So instead of a formal service, we’re gathering with family and friends on March 23 at Smyrna Depot Station (98 Front Street Smyrna, TN 37167) from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to pay respects – just the way he would’ve wanted.

Arrangements are being handled by West Nashville’s only family owned and operated funeral home, Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, Tennessee 37209.  615-857-9955