[3] In that capacity he was tasked with developing a plan for the joint federal-state enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in North Carolina.

[1][5] Politically, Creel identified strongly as a member of the Democratic Party and stated that he would never "apologize for voting for George McGovern.

Creel subsequently declared his candidacy for the office and ran with the support of Crane and numerous business leaders.

[3] Busy with his safety duties in the labor department, he worked on his campaign at night, on weekends, and during periods of leave.

[6] In September 1975 his widow and surviving family established the W. C. "Billy" Creel Memorial Scholarship at North Carolina State University.