Mr. Lee Morris Freeman

Lee Morris Freeman was born in McCrory, Arkansas, to the late James (“JC”) Freeman, Sr. and the late Franchelle Freeman on February 10, 1951. He confessed a belief in Christ at an early age and joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church in McCrory, Arkansas. Lee was brought up in the church where he attended Sunday School, Sunday Morning Worship, and Bible Study faithfully. In addition, Freeman attended evening services held at the church. As a youth and young adult Freeman sang in the church choir with some of his siblings. Freeman was a 1969 graduate of McCrory High School. He served as the basketball manager for the Boys’ basketball team. While in high school he worked at a local café. After high school, Lee Morris immediately went to work doing odd-end jobs as a handyman. Soon after, Lee Freeman transferred to working in the manufacturing industry. He was employed with Nibco, a manufacturing plant in Augusta, AR, as well as Sloan Valve. Lee was a dedicated and hard worker. Oftentimes, he would start walking to work prior to someone picking him up and giving him a ride. Later on, Lee Freeman relocated to Searcy and worked at the following factories: Speed Queen, Yarnell’s, and Matthews International. However, his long-term employment career began when Lee was hired at Matthews International. Freeman was a loyal and diligent employee with outstanding performance. Lee Freeman completed 35 years of service before he retired. While working at Matthews, Freeman worked in the Tooling and Vases department as a Vase Tooler for many years. His work experience included molding and shaping vases, blaster operator, and creating memorialization products such as tombstones for cemeteries. Lee believed the success of Matthews was built on teamwork. While living in Searcy, AR, he was joined in holy matrimony to his sweet and loving wife, Linda Freeman. On May 30, 1975, Lee married his wife and dear friend of 48 years. From this union came two children, Anthony E. Freeman and Kimberly A. Freeman. Freeman was a dedicated member at Bethlehem Baptist Church, a devoted Christian, and a Godly man. Lee was a Trustee for over 5 years before he became a Deacon. Freeman continued with his routine from youth and faithfully attended Sunday School, Morning Worship, and Bible Study. In addition, Lee sang in the Mass Choir and was a part of the Men’s Choir. Singing was one of his ministries in which he enjoyed. And one favorite song Lee Morris lead was “Have A Little Talk with Jesus.’’ Freeman loved serving and working in church, and he didn’t mind helping in any capacity. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Lee loved watching college and professional basketball and football. He only had one favorite sports team that was known, which was the Arkansas Razorbacks. Lee and Linda faithfully watched the Arkansas Razorbacks every chance they got. Freeman definitely loved sports. Some old school favorite TV shows that he would watch daily were Gunsmoke and Yellowstone. Some of his favorite movies to watch were Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Friday, Next Friday, and Friday After Next, and some Tyler Perry movies. He was an Eagle Scout, which is the highest achievement or rank obtainable of the Boy Scouts of America. Some of Freeman’s hobbies included collecting coins, camping, and reading. He was preceded in death by his parents, James (“JC”) and Franchelle Freeman, his paternal grandparents, Dolphus “Doc” and Ora Freeman, his maternal grandparents Charlie and Minnie Swanson; two sisters Helen Joyce Stallion and Judy Freeman; and one brother, James (‘JC”) Freeman, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Linda Freeman; his children, Anthony (Cherese) Freeman of Suffolk, VA; Kimberly Freeman of Jacksonville, AR; his siblings, Flossie Freeman, Hasten Martin, Rose Mary Freeman, Deborah (Dee Dee) Freeman of McCrory, AR; Betty Ann Freeman of Newport, AR; Alice Freeman of Helena-West Helena, AR; Lisa Freeman of Jonesboro, AR; David Louis Freeman, Mary Freeman, and Ural Freeman of Chicago, IL; one uncle Jake Swanson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and others. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 2:00pm, at the First Baptist Church in Searcy. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00pm. Interment will follow in White County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Mr. Lee Morris Freeman

February 10, 1951 - December 23, 2023