George Lewis Freeman

Mr. George Lewis Freeman, 69, of Winston-Salem, N.C., died early Monday morning, August the 16th, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House, in Winston-Salem, N.C., after almost 12 years of battling Parkinson's Disease. The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at Kernersville Wesleyan Church, Kernersville, N.C. The body will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the service. Reverend Phil Hulen will officiate. Also assisting in the service will be nephews, Reverend Michael Hilson, Dr. Derrick Lemons and nephew-in-law, Reverend Ronald Lee. Interment will be at Parklawn Memorial Gardens in Winston-Salem, N.C. Pallbearers will be the Men's Monday Night Small Group of Kernersville Wesleyan Church, who have been faithful to him. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, August 17th, at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, in Kernersville, N.C. Mr. Freeman was born July 31, 1941, in Montgomery County, NC, the son of the late Robert June Freeman and the late Elgie Atkins Freeman. He attended Old Fort High School from 1957 to 1961, and was active in the football program there under Coach James Washburn. He enlisted in the United States Navy in January of 1962. He served his country well from the decks of the U.S.S. Falgout (DER324), receiving his Vietnam Service Medal, before being honorably discharged in December of 1967. He was well liked by his peers and commanding officers, and was described as a good leader, reliable officer, well informed, effective, conscientious, capable, and promotes harmony in dealing with others. After being discharged from the Navy, he went to work for Carolina Steel, Salem Plant, in Winston-Salem, N.C. He worked there as a welder, fitter and template maker for over 30 years, until Parkinson's Disease forced him to retire. He was an active member of Kernersville Wesleyan Church for over 36 years. He loved his church, pastors, and church family and continued to attend until he was physically unable. He served on the local church board as a trustee and a member-at-large for many years, and was always willing to assist. His two granddaughters were the apple of his eye, and he loved spending time with them. He loved to fish, only if the fish were biting. But for those of you who knew him best, know he had rather sit down to a plate of golden fried flounder, and enjoy the company of family and friends rather than waste that valuable time on the creek bank fishing. He was preceded in death by his father Rev. Robert June Freeman, mother, Elgie Atkins Freeman, an infant brother, James Allen Freeman, and a sister, Dianna Freeman Lemons. Survivors include his wife of the home, Janet Freeman; a son, Jonathan (Jon) Freeman and wife, Amy Freeman of Winston-Salem; three sisters, Margie Barbee of Concord, Brenda Goodman of Mt. Ulla, Shirley Jones of Concord; one brother-in-law, Jim Lemons of Concord; and two grandchildren, Courtney Renee and Taylor Lindsey Freeman. The family wishes to express with great gratitude all the many acts of kindness and support that has been shown to them over the past 11 ½ years as we have battled this disease together. We especially want to thank his long-term caregiver, Mrs. Lopez, for her loving support and assistance, shown to him and us through this difficult time. We also wish to express our thanks to Ms. Mary and Ms. Keish for their assistance and care given to Dad in recent days. The care and support of those assisting us in the final hours at the Hospice Home will never go unnoticed. The dignity and compassion that you have extended is truly a calling, and one that will bear eternal reward. Memorials may be made to Kernersville Wesleyan Church, 930 North Main Street, Kernersville, N.C., 27284, and/or The Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House at 101 Hospice Lane in Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103

Cemetery:
Parklawn Memorial Park

Visitation:
07:00pm - 09:00pm on August 17, 2010 at Kernersville Chapel

Service:
Service at 02:00pm on August 18, 2010 at Kernersville Wesleyan Church