James Arthur Creamer

Mr. James Arthur "Art" Creamer of Dothan passed away Friday, July 27, 2007, at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan. He was 86.

Graveside Services will be 2:30 p.m., Sunday, July 29, 2007, at Dothan City Cemetery under the direction of Ward-Wilson Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Willis officiating.

The family will receive friends at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the following charities: Fountain of Love in care of Wesley Manor Nursing Facility, 718 Honeysuckle Road, Dothan, Ala. 36305; The Ridgecrest Baptist Church Music Ministry Fund, 1231 Fortner St., Dothan, Ala. 36301; and The Rescue Mission of Dothan, 216 E. Crawford St., Dothan, Ala. 36301.

Mr. Creamer was born Oct. 24, 1920 in Dale County, Ala., the son of the late Ewell and Mary Etta (Hayes) Creamer. Mr. Creamer launched his career in radio with WAGF radio at age 14 hosting and performing, playing his guitar and singing in the tradition of his contemporary and friend, Hank Williams Sr.

A well-known broadcaster in the area for many years, Mr. Creamer's voice was the first voice ever heard on WTVY Television. He was an instrumental part of WTVY early days of broadcasting. Along with being a radio personality, he also hosted his own television program, "The Keyboard Time." He later became the sales manager with advertising for WTVY. Among many of his accomplishments was that he interviewed Dr. George Washington Carver during the very first Peanut Festival. He was also a well-known musician who played for several events in the area and was an accomplished pianist, guitarist and composer. He also owned his own recording studio and helped many other upcoming artists. He later wrote his life memoirs which were later published by Ridgecrest Baptist Church where he has been a longtime member.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Nell (Branch) Creamer, of Dothan; daughters, Mary Jean Allen and husband Frank of Tuscaloosa, Dr. Catherine Wilkerson and husband Dr. William Wilkerson of Ann Arbor, Mich., Jill C. West and husband Matt of Dothan; grandchildren, Ian Allen, Kelsey Sherrill, Travis Arthur Wilkerson, Dylan Wilkerson, Caitlin Wilkerson, Robyn McCollough, Hannah West and Genie West; great-grandchildren, Graham Sherrill, Adva Wilkerson, McKenna Spivey, Miles McCollough and Kathleen McCollough.

Asked to serve as honorary pallbearers are Edward Conner, Marty Whiddon, Paul Hayes, Harold Shelton, Lamar Trammell, Joe Spears and Jimmy Acree.

Ward-Wilson Funeral Home, (334) 792-4194, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.