Vergil Cretsinger

Vergil Odean Cretsinger, 97, of Shady Valley, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on September 3, 2025 at Hillview Rehab Center in Elizabethton, Tn, concluding a life well-lived that was blessed with remarkable longevity.

He was born on August 24, 1928, in Shady Valley, Tennessee, beloved son of the late Lacie Vernon and Josie Mae Garland Cretstinger. Devoted husband of nearly 70 years to his beloved late wife, Ima Lee Manuel Cretsinger. Vergil exemplified strength, commitment and selflessness. A dedicated Christian, Husband, Father, Grandfather and a Friend. He leaves behind a legacy defined by generosity and unwavering willingness to help others.

Throughout his life, Vergil was a man of many talents: a preacher and teacher of God’s word, elder of the church, a farmer, carpenter, woodworker, logger, and a factory worker for Raytheon Corporation. Above all these things, his work in the Lord was always top priority.

Survivors include: Three sons, Houze Cretsinger and wife Lois, Elwood Cretsinger and wife Debbie, Kevin Cretsinger and wife Judy; one daughter, Sherry Shoun and husband Stan, all of Shady Valley; two brothers, Owen Cretsginer and wife Jannett of Texas, Jerry Cretsinger and wife Kathy of Kentucky; one sister, Parlee Simerly of Elizabethton; one sister-in-law, Verlene Gentry and two brothers-in-law, Jerry and Dan Manuel.

Grandchildren, Micah Cretsinger, Shane Cretsinger, Mandy Hodge, Jessica Shoun, Gabe Shoun, Kaleb Cretsinger, Channie Cretsinger Cavitt and Cindy Jones.

Great grandchildren, Eden Stout, Michala Cretsinger, Luke Cretsinger, Sam Cretsinger, Nadia Shoun, Aidan Labay.

Great great grandchildren, Tucker and Oaklynn Stout.

Several nephews and nieces, especially Lavonda Simerly, his Rook playing buddy.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Crandull Church of Christ. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Phil Blevins and Tracy Dugger to officiate. Graveside service and burial will follow at the Blevins Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Micah Cretsinger, Shane Cretsinger, Sam Cretsinger, Gabe Shoun, Nathan Hodge, and Josh Bowers. Honorary pallbearers are men of the Crandull Church of Christ and lifelong friends.

The family would like to thank everyone that prayed, sent cards, called, messaged or asked about our Dad over the last few months and a special thanks to Connie Garland and Penny Gentry for sending cards faithfully. We would like to say a big thank you to the staff at Hillview Rehab. They went above and beyond what was expected of them as well as his special caretaker, Addison.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crandull Church of Christ for the India Mission work or Blevins Cemetery.

At other times, the family will receive friends at the home of Kevin and Judy Cretsinger, 1415 Hwy 91, Shady Valley, TN 37683.

The family of Vergil Odean Cretsinger has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.