Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman
Funeral services for Bill Freeman, 78, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Central Church of Christ, where Bill will be lovingly remembered, with Evangelists Arvil Hill and Steve Stamatis officiating, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Billy Wakefield Freeman passed away at 10:05 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2020, at his home.
He was born August 24, 1941, to Earl “Buck” Freeman and Myrtle Ballinger Freeman. Bill grew up in Dora and graduated from Dora High School with the close knit Class of 1959. On May 17, 1996, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Ruby Hall. Bill loved the Lord and his church family. He made a joyful noise to the Lord and loved gospel singings. Bill drove the church bus to area wide singings for a number of years. Mr. Freeman spent most of his career as a firefighter for the West Plains Fire Department. Through his job, he became acquainted with many people in West Plains. Bill never met a stranger and he never forgot a face. He loved his family deeply. Bill shared many experiences with extraordinary friends and co-workers. Many jokes were played and stories exaggerated; he enjoyed those times with each and every one of you.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby; one son, Bill Freeman and wife, Karen; three blended family daughters who were blessed by his love, Janet Callahan, Barbie Oliver and husband, Shawn and Gina Lair; eight grandchildren, who were the joy of his old age, Ashton, Devon, Audrey, Dane, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Shelby and Greyson; one sister, Shirley Vining and husband, John; one nephew, Terry Vining and wife, Patti; three step-grandchildren, Sarah Lawson, Doug Dierck, Richard Dierck and wife, Ashley; and twelve step-great-grandchildren.
His parents and an infant step-great-grandson preceded him in death.
Mr. Freeman will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home or Jerry’s Kids for Muscular Dystrophy and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mike and Diana Pace
May 3, 2020 @ 1:38 pm
Ruby and Billy, we are keeping you and all of the family in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Bill. Our deepest condolences.
Melinda DeShazo Brenton
May 4, 2020 @ 2:54 am
I am lifting the family & friends of Bill Freeman up in my prayers for comfort and peace as they lay Bill to rest in his final resting place. God be with Bill,especially right now, because it is never easy to let go of your parent no matter what age you are or what the situation is. Just bless his friends that loved him dearly and are having a hard time letting go of him. Lord, all these special things I request of you and your extra Grace and mercies.
Bill Freeman
May 17, 2020 @ 10:24 pm
Thanks Denny, he sure enjoyed those times. Alot of fond memories with our families.
Jewell Hall elliott
May 4, 2020 @ 12:23 pm
Ruby and Billy so sad for you all. Bill always would tell me I was older than him. That was his favorite thing when he saw me. Just because I looked only didn’t make it true. Miss all the cousins who have passed.
Craig and Sherri Cromer
May 6, 2020 @ 5:59 am
What a joy to have know this huge hearted man. I met him when I was just 15 and from then on he never forgot who I was. He always had a smile and a kind word. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rev. Mike and Donna Parrott
May 4, 2020 @ 12:53 pm
Billy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God hold you closer these next few days and weeks and allow the great and fond memories of your dad to always be on your heart. Please know that we are here for you and Karen.
Bill Freeman
May 17, 2020 @ 10:24 pm
Thank you both
Pat & Shirley Casey
May 4, 2020 @ 1:04 pm
Ruby, we know what a special man Bill was. He was a real servant in the church at Central while we were there. To know him was to love him. Pat continually prayed for him while he was ill. We now pray for you & family as you give him to the Lord.
Gina Lair
May 4, 2020 @ 5:29 pm
Thank you, Shirley. We appreciate it.
Amber Redburn
May 4, 2020 @ 2:06 pm
Ruby, Bill/Karen and Families,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you upon the loss of Bill. I will always remember his personality and smile. He will be missed. May God comfort, encourage, and support all of you thru this difficult time. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
Sue Bryan
May 4, 2020 @ 6:47 pm
Ruby I send prayers for you . I am thinking of you at this time and always. Prayers for you. Bill was a very special man. Remember your good times. Love , Sue Bryan.
Mary Leroy
May 4, 2020 @ 7:41 pm
We have many sweet childhood memories of Bill. Ronnie started telling stories the moment he heard of his passing. Billy, you would get a kick out of hearing them. I sure did. He grew up on Freeman ridge a place I love. Prayers for all he left behind. Ronnie & Mary (Freeman) Leroy
Bill Freeman
May 17, 2020 @ 10:25 pm
Thank you and yes i would love to hear the stories. My wife & I & our kids live in Dora now.
Teresa romans
May 4, 2020 @ 8:01 pm
Peace and comfort for the family. Rest in peace Bill.
Jim & Jeanne Swope
May 5, 2020 @ 7:40 am
Ruby, Billie & Karen, we are sorry for your loss and wanted to let you know we are praying for all of you at this difficult time. Bill was a friend to all and will certainly be missed by all of us.
Keith Weaver
May 5, 2020 @ 8:23 am
So many wonderful memories working with Bill, but let us be sad for only a moment for we shall see him again soon…
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Denny Melvin
May 5, 2020 @ 8:30 am
Billy, thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. It seems like just yesterday your dad was at our little league baseball games cheering us on. He will be missed.
Heather Clegg
May 5, 2020 @ 4:12 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
Your all in my prayers Ruby , Gina and family
Larry and Pam Coffman
May 5, 2020 @ 8:28 pm
Bill and Karen , we are so very sorry about your dad. Larry and I have so many memories of him. He was such a nice man. May God give you strength and comfort in the coming days. Prayers and hugs
Don and Joyce Nielsen
May 5, 2020 @ 9:26 pm
With deepest sympathy as you remember Bill.
From the Class of 1959.
Joseph Thomas Collins
May 8, 2020 @ 7:30 pm
So sorry to hear of Bills passing, Bill was a wonderful man and friend, he always had something good to tell me, and he always shook my hand, he will be missed by all of his family and friends.
Julia Patton
May 9, 2020 @ 5:03 pm
Ruby,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts. I know how hard this time can be. Love,
Julia Patton and Vernetta Collins
Bill Freeman
May 17, 2020 @ 10:23 pm
Thank you all for your kind words, it is very much appreciated.