Gerald Wayne Creech, of Dickson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on July 21, 2026, at the age of 87. He was the son of the late Ben and Orene Creech of White Bluff, Tennessee.

Wayne was raised in White Bluff, where he grew up working the land alongside his father, Ben. From an early age, he developed a deep respect for the land and the nearby Harpeth River, which he often joked was only “a GOOD rock’s throw” from home. He once told his daughter that after a long, hard day working in the fields, there was nothing better than riding the mules down into the river to cool off, and, according to Wayne, the mules enjoyed it just as much.

Wayne was employed by Dickson County for many years before retiring in 2001. He was also a skilled carpenter who loved working with his hands. During the 1970s, he worked as a contractor building homes alongside his brother-in-law, Wayne Keith. Whether he was building a house, tinkering with a lawn mower, or simply finding something that needed fixing, Wayne was happiest when he could put his hands and know-how to good use.

He had a great appreciation for nature, the water, and especially animals. Throughout his life, Wayne was rarely without a cat or dog by his side, and over the years, he rescued and cared for many animals in need.

For more than 25 years, Wayne lived a quiet and content bachelor’s life at his home and property off Tidwell Switch Road in Dickson County. Some of his favorite moments were the simplest ones: sitting outside in his chair or on the swing for hours, watching the deer wander by and listening to the sounds of nature around him.

Wayne also had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a hand. If someone called needing help, he would come as soon as he could and do whatever he could to help.

Wayne is survived by his children, Anita Jo Sweet of Dickson, Tennessee, and Mikell Wayne Creech of upstate New York, 8 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, William “Bub” Creech, Jean Gentry, and Steve Creech.

True to the way he lived, Wayne requested that things remain simple following his passing. He wished to be cremated and for his cremated remains to be placed near his old homeplace in White Bluff, a place filled with childhood memories and forever connected to his love of the land and the Harpeth River.

Wayne loved his children, his family, and the many friends he made throughout his life. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the places he loved, and the people whose lives were made a little better because he was there to lend a hand.

And perhaps the best way to honor Wayne is in his own words:

“Go, live, and whatever, just be happy.”