Charles "Charlie" Ladd Freeman, Sr.

Mr. Charles “Charlie” Ladd Freeman, Sr., 96, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Charlie was born on November 27, 1928 in Bethlehem, PA, where his father taught in the Business College. He spent his youth in Raleigh, NC. A veteran, he served in the US Army/Air Force and was a member of Ardmore Baptist Church. In 1952, Charlie graduated from Brevard College and met Dorothy Goddin the next year while working together at the Miller & Rhoads Department Store in Richmond, VA, and attending RPI (Va.Tech/William & Mary). Dot and Charlie were married on February 27, 1954. Charlie worked with Equitable Life, and he and Dot began their family with two sons, Ladd (Jr.) and Harvie “Happy.” Nine years later he was recruited by Integon of Winston Salem. Shortly after that, Vickie was born and they began restoring an old farmhouse on 25 acres, which they named “Valley View Farm.” This restoration became a source of great pride and joy for them. In 1972, Charlie joined Lambe-Young (later Lambe-Young-Jones & Freeman) and created its first commercial division. Although maintaining his manicured property took up most of his free time, Charlie still enjoyed many years of racquetball as the first member of the Omni Sports Center. He developed a passion for golf, which he played with his competitive group known as “The Gators”. However, he was never solely focused on his own enjoyment; he actively sought ways to give back and lead in various capacities. Throughout his life, he held numerous leadership positions, including his schools’ government, annuals & newspapers, sports teams and choirs. He also dedicated his time to his church, sharing his musical talents, teaching teens, and coaching in Richmond and Winston-Salem. —A Lifetime member, Charlie served as President of The Civitans, receiving awards for Outstanding Service. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, SCAN and many other organizations. In the city he loved, he held the position of Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for many years. Within the business community he served as chairman of the Realtors Commerce Alliance, and also president of the Winston Salem Regional Association of Realtors, earning awards for Outstanding Public Service, the Citizenship Award, Practitioner of the Year, and Elder Statesman of the Year. Locally, within his beloved neighborhood (Wellington Place), he served as the President of the Homeowners Association. Charlie Freeman understood that a life well-lived is one spent in service to others., He constantly looked for ways to improve the world around him, always leading by example. His unwavering values and principles of faith, family, patriotism, ethics, integrity, and honesty profoundly influenced his business, his family and those that crossed his path. During their 71-year marriage, Charlie supported Dot as she built her equestrian business, the Piedmont Riding Center. She developed and landscaped dozens of acres, ran a wholesale greenhouse business and refined her talent painting acrylic landscapes. Over the years, Dot and Charlie welcomed grandchildren into their lives. Charlie’s grandchildren include Liz Buchanan (Buck) of Winston-Salem, NC; Catherine Green (Major Justin Green) of Annapolis, MD; Charlie Freeman, III (Kaitlyn) of Advance, NC; Jimmy Luke (Meredith) of Georgetown, SC; Anne Bailey (Patrick) of Raleigh, NC; and Sarah Wells Luke of Winston-Salem, NC. In 1986 Charlie opened Freeman Commercial Real Estate, the area’s first business of its kind. In 1987, they sold their old farmhouse but kept the land they cherished. Dot designed and contracted their dream home on a hill. As the saying goes,“Nail by nail ‘n board by board, daddy gave life to mama’s dream”. They cherished hosting countless family reunions, birthday parties, and grand social and family gatherings at their home In 1987, Charlie’s son Ladd joined his firm, followed by his son-in-law Jay Luke. Charlie turned the business over to their ownership in 1999. Since then, Freeman Commercial Real Estate has included grandson Charlie Freeman III, Liz Buchanan, and Sarah Wells Luke. They work alongside agents Bob Anderson, Abner Wright, Lee Chewning, and Will Nason, who all remain like family, just as Charlie envisioned. The firm’s success was an entrepreneurial dream come true, and it continues to thrive through his legacy. After passing the business to the next generation, Charlie stepped back to watch them grow. However, it was always close to his heart, he continued to learn and grow alongside it maintaining his NC Real Estate license well into his 90’s. Until his last week on the Earth, Charlie could be found reviewing the listings and accomplishments of the Freeman Commercial agents with pride. In 2003, Charlie and Dot traded their large property for easier upkeep and incredible neighbors at Wellington Place. Until several years ago, they remained active with Ardmore Baptist where Charlie sang in the choir. Charlie continued to enjoy his golf game while Dot pursued her passion for painting. They cherished the time spent with their grandchildren and great grandchildren: Sawyer Buchanan (15), Molly Buchanan(11), Grady Freeman(4), and Banks Freeman(2). Their most recent residence was with the wonderful folks at Clemmons Village where Dot still resides. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Percy Paul Freeman and Annie Lou Shouse Freeman; a son, Harvie “Happy” Freeman and four siblings: Paul Freeman, Jimmy Freeman, Byron Freeman and June Boggs. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy Goddin Freeman; his daughter and his son; six grandchildren; and four great grandchildren, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, and relatives who meant so much to him. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Ardmore Baptist Church with Rev. Tyler Tankersley officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel is assisting the Freeman family.