Michael Freeman

Michael D. Freeman, age 51, beloved husband, father, brother, son, coach, mentor and friend, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2014. He was born on October 8, 1962.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Sherri Tucker Freeman, and his three children, Michael Tucker Freeman, Trevor Edwards Freeman and Julia Elisabeth Freeman; his mother, Manya Elisabeth Ogle (Sun City Center, Florida); his grandmother, Elisabeth "GG" Massey (Sun City Center, Florida); and his sisters, Barrie Lynne Freeman (Washington, D.C.) and Allison Mitchell (Palestine, Texas). Mike was preceded in death by his father, David Lawrence Freeman. With his hearty laugh and optimistic personality, Mike was first and foremost a family man. He approached life with a joyful zest that was greatly admired by his family, his numerous friends and his colleagues and clients in the legal profession. Mike forever impacted the lives of all who knew him. Mike's life was full, well-lived, and far too short.

Mike graduated from the University of Alabama, where he earned both his Bachelors and Juris Doctorate degrees, and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Upon graduation, he joined Balch & Bingham LLP where he was a nationally recognized environmental and energy litigator. His litigation talents were exemplary and he was a fierce advocate for his clients, always maintaining a collegial nature with legal adversaries. Among his numerous legal honors, Mike was listed in The Best Lawyers in America; served as the past chair of the American Bar Association's Committee on Environmental Litigation and Toxic Torts; and was past president of the Birmingham Bar Foundation.

He was a very active and enthusiastic member of the community, serving as a Board member for the Vestavia Hills Park & Recreation Foundation and in leadership roles with the Downtown YMCA. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the Legal Aid Society of Birmingham. Mike was a regular donor and supporter of The United Way of Central Alabama, Inc., Tocqueville Society, The King's Home, the American Heart Association and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Mike's life on Monday, January 20, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Old Overton Club, 7251 Old Overton Club Drive, Vestavia Hills, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the University of Alabama Law School Foundation, P.O. Box 870382, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, for a scholarship being established in his name, or to a charity of your choice.