Ray Creech, 88, Closplint, died April 2, 2003, at the Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Va. He was a native and lifelong resident of Closplint.

He was a retired coal miner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Creech and Nancy Cloud Creech; a son, Roger Creech; a son-in-law, Jerry Goodin; five sisters: Vina Parsons, Hannah Dixon, Juanita Creech, Ethel Saylor and Ludie Eldridge; and three brothers: Willie Creech, Roy Creech and Larence Creech.

Survivors include his wife, Lena Wynn Creech, Closplint; four children: Gary Ray Creech and wife, Marsha, Holmes Mill; Norma Creech Thomas and husband, Ervin, Deputy, Ind.; Kelsey Creech Goodin, Hampton, Ohio; Wanda Creech Harper and husband, Luther, Pine Mountain; two sisters: Sarah Crusenberry, Knoxville, Tenn.; and Nettie Schmidt, Baltimore; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Visitation is Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. and after 10 a.m. on Sunday at Evarts Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. at Evarts Funeral Home with the Rev. Clyde Addington and the Rev. Frank Howard officiating.

Burial will follow at the Holmes Mill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gary Ray Creech II, Danny Caudill, Richie Perkins, Tom Caudill, Junior Shown, Kevin Eldridge and Justin E. Lay.

Evarts Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.