One of the founders of the Mississippi-based telecommunications and technology company C Spire has passed away at the age of 91.
Wade H. Creekmore died Nov. 28 at his home in Ridgeland, “in the arms of the love of his life, wife, and caretaker extraordinaire, Betsy,” according to his obituary. Creekmore, a Jackson native and Navy veteran, co-founded Cellular South, Inc., in 1988. The company quickly grew and became one of the largest regional telecommunications and technology providers, later rebranding as C Spire.
“Wade and his brother, James H. Creekmore, Sr., along with other family members invested in wireless communications,” the obituary reads. “Cellular South became one of the first wireless networks in the nation. In 2011, the company was rebranded as C Spire, reflecting its evolution into a full-service telecommunications and technology provider, of which the C Spire Foundation is a key part.”
Before Creekmore helped create the largest privately owned wireless carrier in the U.S., he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi and then enlisted in the Navy. He became an officer before joining the branch’s underwater demolition team, the predecessor to the Navy SEALs. His role as a frogman placed him among the earliest combat divers in the military’s history.
In 1960, Creekmore became manager of the Franklin Telephone Company in Franklin County. In 1964, he enrolled in law school at the University of Mississippi, where he graduated in 1967. He remained with Franklin Telephone Company, which became a precursor to C Spire, and remains a sister company.
Outside of his business achievements, Creekmore had a profound love for the game of chess. He founded the Southwest Mississippi Chess Foundation and the Franklin Chess Center, which provides high-level chess instruction for students inside the Franklin County School District.
Creekmore was also an athlete who once swam across the Mississippi River, per his obituary. He competed in road races, Senior Olympics, and triathlons.
“These accomplishments and activities fall short of describing his true nature,” the obituary continued. “He was a deeply loved and respected husband and a gentle and caring rock of a father who had a watchful and unwavering abiding love for his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Tuesday at 10 a.m. A memorial service will be held for Creekmore on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the church’s sanctuary.