Thomas Wayne Creal

Thomas (Tom) Wayne Creal of Chattanooga passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019 of a sudden illness.

Born June 22, 1932 to Harry and Flossie Creal in Kansas City, KS, Tom devoted his life to serving his family and country. Following an honorable discharge as Airman First Class from the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, he eventually began a career as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A member of the Organized Crime Squad, he worked on high-profile cases including the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa and the Las Vegas Casino Skimming operation. He retired from the FBI in 1985.

Along the path from Airman to G-Man, he married his loving, yet often exasperated wife, Rachael (Swenson) Creal who preceded him. Tom has three surviving children, Brian, Richard, and Erin as well as grandson Alexander, several in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was an avid cruciverbalist, woodworker, and golfer...though he would be the first to admit his crossword and woodworking skills greatly exceeded his golf skills. Tom was very active in his church and community over the years and donated much of his time with Habitat for Humanity, The Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga Room in the Inn. A stubborn philanthropist with a dry sense of humor and a quick wit, he will be missed by those who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held at Red Bank United Methodist Church at 11:30 am on Friday, October 25, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chattanooga Room in the Inn or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN, 37415 www.lanefh.com 423-877-3524.