Riley Henry Creel III

Dr. Riley Henry Creel, III, affectionately known as “R.H.,” passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, in Rogers, Arkansas, at the age of 75, following a brief illness. Born on September 17, 1949, in Winnfield, Louisiana, Riley was the son of Riley Creel, Jr. and Esther Creel. Known for his unwavering faith, dedication to family, and passion for learning, Riley was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched countless lives through his kindness, wisdom, and faith.

Riley graduated from Winnfield Senior High School in 1967 and went on to study at Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana at Monroe), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Driven by a calling to serve others through healthcare, Riley attended NLU’s School of Pharmacy, becoming a licensed pharmacist. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Geraldine Mahr, at Old Union Baptist Church in Joyce, Louisiana. They married on May 29, 1971, sharing a devoted and loving marriage that lasted over 49 years.

Riley’s career in pharmacy extended over 40 years, during which he served with dedication, primarily in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kansas City, Missouri. Later in his career, he earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, fulfilling his commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. He retired in Fayetteville, Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, integrity, and excellence.

A man of deep faith, Riley’s greatest joys in life were his family and his relationship with Christ. He embodied humility, kindness, and generosity, often saying, “Judge not, lest ye be judged,” and treating everyone with equal respect and unconditional love. His compassion was evident to all who met him, and he was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. Riley was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, fiercely protective of his family and deeply committed to their well-being. He took immense pride in his role as “Paw Paw” to his grandsons, James Riley Huson and Griffin Gregory Her, who brought light and joy to his life. Known for his warm smile, ready hand, and words of encouragement, he helped others feel seen and valued. Riley was a lifelong learner with a keen intellect and quick wit. Rarely seen without a book in hand, he encouraged everyone around him to never stop learning and to recognize their own potential. He found beauty in life’s simplest moments, cherishing every opportunity to share his wisdom, humor, and joy for life.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geraldine Mahr Creel; his parents, Riley Henry Creel, Jr., and Esther Sullivan Creel; and his brother, Danny Joe Creel, Riley leaves behind a legacy of love and faith.

He is survived by his two daughters, Gwendolyn Creel and her wife Michele of Kansas City, MO, and Melanie Huson and her husband Matthew of Fayetteville, AR; his two cherished grandsons, James Riley Huson and Griffin Gregory Her; his brother, Dr. Terry Creel and his wife Liz of New Orleans, LA; his sister-in-law, Debbie Creel of Pineville, Louisiana; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sue and Ray Mitchell of Leland, NC; his uncle Glendale Sullivan and his wife Pat of Bristol, GA; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Flowers may be sent to Epting Funeral Home, 709 N Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712.

Riley’s life was a testament to love, humility, and the importance of faith. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him, as we celebrate a life well-lived, and a soul dearly missed.