Joe Credille, 73, passed peacefully on October 15, 2024, in his home in Belmont, MS, surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Belmont, MS, where he lived most all his life. After graduating high school, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Cooper, and they moved to Starkville, where Joe attended Mississippi State University to get a degree in education. Joe and Carolyn eventually returned to Belmont and started a family of their own. Joe began what would become a 38-year career at the Tishomingo County Career and Technical Center, or “Votech” as he called it. Joe attended Belmont Methodist Church and participated in the Koinonia Emmaus Community. Joe and Carolyn spent many years as youth ministers, following a calling to lead young people in growing and developing their faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and watching the bulldogs play. Inarguably, his favorite hobby was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved being “Papaw.”
Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Cooper Credille; children, Brian Credille (Christy) and Laura McClung (Jody); grandchildren, Marlie and Bruce McClung; brothers-in-law, Phillip Cooper (Wanda), Ross Cooper (Anita), and Edwin Cooper (Donna); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Travis Credille and Audrey Holcomb Credille; a brother, Braxton Credille; and a sister, Myrtle Credille Rikard.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Bell, Al Caldwell, Darrin Caldwell, Andy Chumbley, Keith Griffin, David Holcomb, Bob Nelson, Greg Pharr, Greg Stephens, and Buddy Wiltshire.
A celebration of life will be held at Belmont Methodist Church on Friday, October 18th, at noon with Bro. Ronnie Goodwin officiating. Visitation will also be at Belmont Methodist Church on Thursday, October 17, 5-8 p.m. and Friday, October 18, 10-noon. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
The family extends sincere gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for exceptional care over the past month.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joe Credille Memorial Scholarship Fund at Community Spirit Bank in Belmont. Donations may be mailed to PO Box 430, Belmont, MS 38827. This scholarship will be presented to a TCCTC student to honor Joe’s commitment to education and the students in our community.
