Sam Freeman, Jr.

On the morning of Saturday, April 13, 2019, Sam Freeman, Jr., age 94, passed away at his residence with his family by his side. A native of Haywood County, Sam was born on January 9, 1925 to the late Sam Freeman, Sr. and Ida Pegg Freeman. Shortly following Sam’s birth, his mother passed away and he was raised by his aunt Estelle Pegg Stevens and her husband Will Stevens. After Estelle’s passing, Will remarried Ruby Melton.

In addition to both sets of parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Freeman who passed away on December 5, 2017 following seventy-two years of marriage; one biological brother, Howell Freeman; two biological sisters, Gladys Freeman Smiley and Bessie Freeman Roberts.

Sam was a member of Living Waters Tabernacle for more than seventy years. He served as deacon, superintendent and church treasurer. He retired from Old Fort Finishing following thirty-eight years of service. Sam was also a proud United States Army veteran serving in World War II. A very loving father and grandfather, he was known as a good Christian neighbor who will be missed by all.

Sam is survived by four children, Sam “Buddy” Freeman (Toni), Loretta Burbage (Tommy), Phyllis Davis and Veronica Allison (Jeff). Also surviving Sam are six grandchildren, Michael Freeman (Kimberly), Melissa Church (Richard), Chad Davis (Shelley), Mitch Davis (Hayley), Brian Burbage and Jenna Allison; ten great-grandchildren, Avery, Carter, Andrew, Barrett, Colby, Natalie, Rylee, Aubrey, Brooklyn and Colson; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his biological family, Sam is survived by his Pegg/Melton/Stevens family; Shirley, Verdie, Dean, Norman, Cindy, Rita Kay and Jimmy. Arnold, Calvin and Bill Stevens were preceded in death.

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at Living Waters Tabernacle with Reverend Keith Jamison, Reverend Kenneth Massingill and Dr. Tommy Burbage officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Moffitt Hill Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a donation in Sam’s memory are asked to consider, Living Waters Tabernacle, 344 Moffitt Hill Church Road, Old Fort, North Carolina 28762 or CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care-McDowell, Post Office Box 25338, Asheville, North Carolina 28813.