Reverend James Charlie Freeman

February 13, 1930 ~ December 20, 2015
Resided in:
Leicester, NC
Reverend James Charlie Freeman, 85, of Leicester, NC went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Reverend Freeman is a native of the Leicester community, born February 13, 1930 to the late Reverend Jonah Grady Freeman and Uffie Wright. He was ordained as minister on May 30th, 1965 at Union Baptist Church. During his lifetime he pastored Redmon Baptist, Liberty Baptist, Big Laurel Baptist, Sodom Laurel Baptist, and Crossrock Baptist. As was done for him, Reverend Freeman spent his later years in the ministry mentoring and supporting younger pastors as they grew in their calling.
In addition, Reverend Freeman was a life long farmer. He grew or raised cattle, poultry, tobacco, hay, and vegetables. For many years, he worked with Broyhill Baptist Children's Home and was honored for his service in 1980. Reverend Freeman was loving, kind, humble, giving, strong, and committed to the spiritual growth of all those he met.
Reverend Freeman is also preceded in death by step-mother, Annie Surrett; brothers, Glen and Herman; and sisters, Bessie Teague (neé Freeman), and Deffie Brittain (neé Freeman).
Reverend Freeman is survived by his wife, partner, and best friend of 66 years, Mae Wells Freeman; only son, James Conley Freeman and his wife Linda Wells Freeman; only grandchild, Natalie Colette Freeman; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Revs. Dean Rice, Matthew Sams, and Howard Self officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Special thank you to Care Partners of Buncombe County and recent CNA's caregivers Peggy Jo Reems and Brooke Warlick for their comfort and physical support of Reverend Freeman and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Care Partners of Buncombe County (hospice home care).
Linda and Conley, I am so sorry for your loss. Stay strong in the Lord.
He was an incredible man who will be missed by many. Please know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.
Thinking of you during this time with much love!
Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with y’all! He was a special man and will be missed by many!
So sorry for your loss our prayers are with the family
Thinking of the Freeman family during this time with much love. He was such a special man!
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Ken and I have you and your family in our prayers.
We are sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss, especially at this time of year. Prayers are with the family
Charlie was always special to us. He was my (Robert) first pastor and our friend ever since. Our prayers are with the family.
My deepest sympathies
I am truly blessed to have met Rev. Freeman and have the opportunity to share the brief time with him and to hear some of his story telling. He found a special place in my heart (as his family has). My deepest and sincerest condolences are extended from my family to yours during this difficult time. The Freeman family will continue to be in my prayers.
Mae, Conley, Linda, and Natalie-
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Sorry we could not attend. We are thinking of you all and remembering you in our prayers. May ‘The God of ALL Comfort’ be close now and in the days to come.
Jimmie and Shirley Fender
Our deepest sympathy to Mae, Conley, Linda and Natalie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Charles and Janice Harris, Lou Ella Wells family.
Hey Conley, I am really sorry I did not get to come to your dad’s service. I was in Greenville, SC having some surgery done. Sorry for your and all the family’s loss. Hope your mom is doing ok.
Love you all.
Garry Rogers
Mae, Conley,Linda and Natalie – so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers. He will be missed by his extended Freeman family! Love, Al and Bev Wilson