Gary Curtis Creech

Gary Curtis Creech, 58, of Linden, Tennessee, passed away on December 24, 2025, at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville.

Born on May 25, 1967, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Gary was the son of the late Jerry Creech and Leona Creech, who resides in Linden. He valued education, graduating from high school in Union City, Tennessee, and earning both his undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin and Middle Tennessee State University.

While attending UT Martin, Gary joined the rodeo team as a bull rider. With his slender build, some wondered if the bulls even noticed he was riding, but regardless of how many falls he took, he never hesitated to climb back on.

Gary devoted 30 years to the Tennessee Department of Corrections, beginning as a prison guard and ending his career with Transportation Services. He took pride in his knowledge of criminal justice codes and was often the go-to resource for his colleagues.

A true outdoorsman, Gary was passionate about motorcycling, traveling countless miles alongside fellow enthusiasts. His journey began on a Suzuki RM 80 dirt bike in his youth, followed by a Honda 250cc Interceptor and eventually a Harley Davidson Softail. He loved vacationing on the Gulf Coast and boating up and down the Cumberland River, where everyone quickly learned that with Gary, there were only two speeds: stop and hang on!

He once considered trying an Ultra-Light plane, and with his love for bull riding, motorcycles, and water sports, friends joked he'd be a risk on land, sea, or air-but he thrived on adventure.

Gary is survived by his mother, Leona Creech of Linden; his brother Alan Creech (Jennifer) of Yorkville, Illinois; nephews Brandon Creech (Ty Swagel) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Nicholas Creech (Alex Raasch) of Brookfield, Illinois; and niece Jessica Robinson (Austin) of Middleburg, Florida, along with her children Buck and Liv Robinson.

In his final years, strokes dimmed Gary's mind, but he always felt the love and care of those around him-love that exceeded what he could ever know. He will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.