Sanford "Eugene" Creed

Sanford “Eugene” Creed, 67, went home to be with the Lord on January 30, 2026. Born in Pennsylvania on November 10, 1958, to Dennis and Ruth Creed. Eugene was raised in the Beaver Dam community of Watauga County, where he grew up in a Christian home farming alongside his parents and sister, Phyllis. While Eugene was a hard worker, he enjoyed his recreation just as much; he loved to play softball and basketball, which he continued well into his adult years. Fishing at the coast with friends and family was a favorite of Eugene’s. 

Eugene retired as a Landscape supervisor for Appalachian State University, with 31 years of service, where he developed lifelong friendships and became the subject of many funny stories that he loved to remember. Upon retirement, he enjoyed working part-time at Watauga County Parks and Recreation, taking care of the same fields he competed on over the years. 

He was a devoted member of Union Baptist Church, where he attended alongside his best friend and loving wife, Cheryl. Eugene came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and put his faith in Him through all hardships. Eugene treasured his two daughters, Kelli and Katelyn, and their families. He was especially proud of his four granddaughters, who lovingly called him Pa Blue-Gene. He dearly loved watching them play sports and giving them lawn mower rides around the yard. His home was always a place of love and laughter for his family, especially at Christmas, when he would go above and beyond to make everyone feel special! 

Eugene brought smiles and laughter to many and never took anything too seriously….he loved a good prank! A loving son, brother, husband, dad, Pa Blue-Gene, and friend, he touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed and always loved. 

He is survived by his loving Wife Cheryl Creed of Zionville;Daughters Kelli (John) Sherwood of Vilas, NC, Katelyn (David) Isaacs of Vilas, NC; Granddaughters Lindi and Raylin Sherwood, Summer and Ellie Isaacs; Father Dennis Creed of Blowing Rock, NC; Sister Phyllis (Mike) Everett of Deep Gap, NC; Neice Jennifer (David) McIntosh of Huntersville, NC; Nephew Jeffery Everett of Deep Gap, NC; Great Nieces and Nephew Savannah McInstosh of Huntersville, NC, Alyssa Everett of Charlotte, NC, JJ Everett of Deep Gap, NC; Father-in-law Reverend Edd Warren of Granite Falls, NC; Sister-in-law- Pat Warren of Granite Falls, NC & Special friends and family.

He is proceeded in death by His Mother Betty Ruth Creed, Grandparents Sanford and Stella Creed, Ed and Clove Stokes, Grandparents Sanford and Stella Creed, Ed and Clove Stokes and Mother-in-law Joyce Warren.

We would like to thank the Watauga Medical Center 4th Floor IMCU and ICU Nurses. They went above and beyond and were truly angles in a time of need. 

Services for Sanford "Eugene" Creed will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Union Baptist Church, Zionville NC. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, with the Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Union Baptist Church Cemetery. 

The Family respectfully requests no food, just prayers.

In place of flowers, donations may be made to  Breakthrough T1D- Research for Type 1 Diabetes. https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?26518.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&df_id=26518&s_src=google_cpc&s_subsrc=FDRS_20250924_SEM_EG_GS_p_BT1D-breakthrough%20t1d.com-c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23374770468

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Creed family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sanford "Eugene" Creed, please visit our floral store.