TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) -- A Tallahassee family is mourning after their son, who joined the Marine Corps, passed away last week.
Blake Creel's body was brought back to Tallahassee Friday afternoon after he died in a motorcycle accident in Desert Hot Springs, California. California Highway Patrol say Blake was driving through a highway when he traveled off the road, hitting a guard rail (KESQ).
Members of the Marine Corps Honor Guard came along with family, and gave Blake's body flight honors, before he was moved to Tallahassee.
Blake graduated from Leon High School in 2014, and soon after, he joined the Marine Corps. He spent some time out of the country in the Middle East, working embassy duty in Baghdad. One of his greatest passions was motorcycles, having joined the Black Sabbath Motorcycle Club, with fellow military and ex-military. The family will remember Blake's genuine smiles and his life-long love for both motorcycles, and serving his country.
"In the Marine Corps, we're always taught that we're all brothers", said Gunnery Sergeant Jimmie Smith, of the Marine Corps. "And to see a fallen brother, it really hits home a lot, because we don't like to see our brother's fall."
As a young child, Blake bonded with his younger brother and sisters. "When we were kids, we used to run around outside and play like we're in the Military", said Jordan Creel, Blake's younger sister. "My brothers, they would be the Army men and i was always gonna be the doc."
Blake knew where he wanted to go all his life: The Marines. And even after he graduated from Leon High, those feelings never faltered. "Everyone gets nervous when they're about to leave their family and start a new chapter and become an actual adult", said Lindsey Creel, Blake's younger sister. "But he was a very humble guy. He was just like' Yeah, I'm ready.' He was very determined."
His positive attitude spread like wildfire, and that's something his parents wont ever forget. "He was very excited. I remember one day, he was getting out of boot camp and he ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug i ever had in my life. I'll hold that forever", said Clint Creel, his father. "After Boot Camp, he just felt accomplished," said Wendy Creel, Blake's Mother, adding that when it was done, Blake "felt like a Marine."
Brady is Blake's younger brother. He graduates from Leon High School Saturday, May 28th and is set to join the Marine Corps in early June. "He was probably the biggest motivation for me and now that he's passed, its pushing me even harder to join", said Brady. "To get there and get done. "
This past week has been very difficult for the family, but they hope they can spread the positivity of Blake, so even those looking in on the outside, will never forget him.
The Creel family is inviting the community to Blake's memorial service, this Memorial Day at the Thomasville Road Baptist Church. Anyone is welcome to join and friends and family are encouraged to bring pictures of Blake.
Viewing starts at 10 a.m. and the service starts at 11 a.m.
