Milton Louis Creagh, Jr., son, and youngest child of the late Mr. Milton L. Creagh, Sr. and the late Mrs. Flarizell Susan Creagh was born in New Bern, North Carolina on November 12, 1957, one day before his father’s birthday, November 13. As such, he was his mother’s birthday gift to her husband.
Raised in Chicago, Illinois from early childhood, Milton graduated with honors from Senn High school. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and named a National Achievement Scholar. By his senior year, he reached his adult height of 6’7” and “Big Milt” became his nickname. His high school and football accomplishments led to an athletic scholarship and later an academic scholarship at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida (now Bethune-Cookman University) from which he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1979. During his tenure at Bethune-Cookman, he served in leadership roles, most notably as Student Government Association (SGA) President, National President of the Pre-Alumni Council, and as a UNCF student representative. He also worked with United Methodist Missionaries in Haiti in an effort to better the lives of the unfortunate.
In 1976, Milton was initiated into the Omicron Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. He exemplified the principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance & Uplift through his community service.
He began his career at First Chicago Bank, but quickly resigned and joined Southern Bell, first in Florida, and later in Atlanta, preferring the southern climate over Chicago winters. Milton was a gifted public speaker and corporate trainer and eventually left Southern Bell to start his own business. He often credited the Reverend Dr. Walter L. Kimbrough as his first inspiration and public speaking teacher.
An avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears and the Atlanta Falcons and Hawks, Milton always believed that his teams would win it all – one day. He had a phenomenal recall of R&B songs and artists and enjoyed spoken word performances. He learned to bake from his mother and was the only one of her three children who loved baking or eating fruitcake.
Milton departed this life Wednesday morning, July 28, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, he is predeceased by his beloved older sister, Randa Gail McCord, great niece Erin Elizabeth Bishop, seven aunts and four uncles.
Milton leaves to cherish his memory his wife and partner in life, love and travel, Sybil K. Grissett Creagh; three daughters: Adrean Young, Andrea Creagh and Alexis Creagh; a grandson, Prince Na’il; two sons of the heart: Lonnie Colón (Gina) and Bobby Phillips (Kaci).
Milton is also survived by a loving sister, Cyde Creagh (Zion) of South Fulton, Georgia; two aunts: Orpha Richard and Susie Staten; a loving niece, Jennifer (Aaron) Bishop, a devoted nephew, Henry Crutcher II and two great-nephews: Peyton Bishop and Henry Crutcher III. His parents-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. John W. Grissett, Sr. and his brothers-in law: Sidney C. Grissett, Sr. (Nettie); Carlton L. Grissett, Sr. (Vanessa); John W. Grissett, Jr. (Belinda), and Lee McCord (Debra) will also miss his presence. He also leaves behind a host of cousins and close friends who will remember and cherish his wonderful presence.
In lieu of flowers, the Grissett-Creagh family requests that memorial tributes be made in Milton’s name to Bethune-Cookman University:
https://www.cookman.edu/donate/index.html
Mailing address:
ATTN: Institutional Advancement
Bethune-Cookman University
640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 481-2954
Services for Milton will be held Saturday, August 14th at 10am, at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32225
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