William Harold Freeman

June 1, 1938  -  December 18, 2023

William Freeman Obituary

William Harold Freeman born, June 1, 1938 in Woodbury, GA, was the fifth of seven children. He was born to Bertie Mae Brown Freeman and John David Freeman. Harold was called by several nicknames at different times in his life. Possibly the first one was “my little bad boy” given to him by his precious mother. He picked up the name Cowboy in high school, and then later received the one that stuck for life—Free, while working at Eastern Airlines. The name Free is perfect for him now.

On December 18, 2023, Free left us to spend eternity with his Savior Jesus Christ. He is free of all the struggles of living this earthly life. He was a fighter until his final breath and realized very young that only by working hard could he attain the necessities of life. He pulled weeds for neighbors as a little fellow to buy himself a coke, and he worked on an early delivery milk truck and then ran to elementary school. During summers working on a bakery delivery truck filled his time. He was very proud of his first bike which he made with parts he found.

Recently he answered the question, “What was the happiest day of your life?” He responded, “The day I got a Red Rider BB gun.” (The bird population dropped dramatically in College Park after his happiest day.) The person who asked the question was initially surprised and disappointed in his answer, but then was quickly thankful for his brother-in-law, Radus, who loved Harold, a child with very little. He probably gave him his first treasure, and one he remembered all his life.

Harold always enjoyed peers. He might have been somewhat of a bully in elementary school, but ran track and played football in high school and did an okay job of following the rules. Coach Bill Badget took an interest in him and deserves credit, along with God, for getting him through high school. After HS it was off to Georgia State part time, Eastern Airlines full time, marriage to his high school sweetheart Danelle Hughes 1960, summoned by Uncle Sam to come serve his country 1961, John Marsh Law School 1966. And then fatherhood--Waye 1968, Alissa 1970, John 1982. Grandfatherhood—Audrey 2003, Nathan 2006.

Free was cared for by a wonderful team from Southern Grace Home Hospice. He died peacefully at home after many good visits with family and long-time friends and neighbors. He knew where he was headed and was ready to go. Prayers for him turned to Thy will be done and God’s will for him was done in that He came for Free when the time was perfect.

No person has ever loved family and friends more than Free. He was willing to help and share what he had with anyone who crossed his path. He laughed a lot and enjoyed life to the fullest. It is hard to let him go now, but we will soon be with him again.

Predeceased by son Waye Hughes Freeman 2021, his parents, all of his siblings (Virginia, David, Henson, Charlotte, Sylvia, Janie).

Survived by his wife of 63 years, Danelle Hughes Freeman, daughter Alissa Freeman Stratton (Steve), granddaughter Audrey McCall Stratton and grandson Nathan. Freeman Stratton. Son John Daniel Freeman. Many beloved long-time friends and neighbors.

Please share with us your memories of Harold/Free. We promise not to censor.

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home with Pastor Gene Boyd officiating.  Visitation will occur prior to the service at the funeral home from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.