Charles Edward "Charlie" Freeman

Charles E. ‘Charlie’ Freeman, 86, of Abbeville, husband of Ruth Johnson Freeman, died Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood.  He was born in Gadsden, Alabama to the late David Freeman and Ethel Creswell Freeman.

Mr. Freeman served in the U.S. Army, 1st Calvary Division as a Sergeant during the Korean War and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a graduate of Jacksonville State University in Piedmont, Ala and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, DC presently known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.  Mr. Freeman retired as Director of Financial Systems Accountability with General Services Administration in Washington, DC. His work ethic was defined by his dedication to each special project with which he was involved.  Mr. Freeman was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, the American Legion Post 2 and Korean War Veterans.

Charlie was soft spoken; his exuberant personality and compassionate heart were too big to be captured with words. He was loyal and forgiving; his sense of humor often brought smiles to those around him.  Charlie was constantly aware of the good in everyone. His servant’s heart enabled him to frequently assist his community.   Charlie deliberately and skillfully lived his life with gratitude, hope and love.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Freeman Popham; a son, Chuck Freeman; two brothers, Jimmy Dale McNair and Lawrence Freeman; and the mother of his children, Jean Burleson Powell.

Charlie’s life was defined by his relationships with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with, Ruth, his wife of 40 years; children, David Freeman and his wife, Noelle, of Oak Hill, FL and Patti F. Duncan and her husband, Art, of Abbeville, SC; brother, Elbert Freeman of Chillicothe, OH; sister-in-law, Peggy Jo Freeman of Anniston, AL; twelve grandchildren, Dustin, Nathan (Britanni), Aryn, Grant, Shannon, David, Sara, Kaiti, Jonathan, Annie, Melissa and Ronnie; eight great-grandchildren, Riley, Oliver, Charlie Rebecca, Brandon, Jake, Luke, Brelin and Serenity; several nieces and nephews; his nieces Baylee and Debbie, held a special place in his heart..

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Harris Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 2:00PM in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery with military honors.

The family is at the home on Woodland Way in Abbeville.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Charlie, may be sent to the Trinity Episcopal Church Restoration Fund, PO Box 911, Abbeville, SC 29620.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com .

Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Abbeville is assisting the Freeman family.

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