Herbert Eugene "Gene" Freeman

Herbert Eugene "Gene" Freeman, 86, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 19, 1938, in Powder Mill, North Carolina, to the late Columbus L. Freeman and Mable Buchanan Freeman.

Gene was of the Baptist faith and was a hard-working man who rarely sat still. He took full responsibility for making sure his family was provided for. He had the gift of financial discipline, and through his example, created an ongoing legacy of financial awareness that continues with his children and grandchildren. He had a laughter that was contagious, and he never met a stranger. He was the patriarch of the family, always doing everything for everyone, always willing to help any way he could.

He loved to square dance and was well-known as a "flatfoot/clogging" dancer. He also loved to Waltz and would dance anywhere, including on the stage at Hollywood Beach in Florida during the Bluegrass Festival, as well as on stage in NYC when he toured there with friends. Heaven now has a new "dancing angel".

Another of his well-known names was the "watermelon man" he was known for selling watermelons everywhere with his two grandsons Josh and Jake. Gene also loved to go to Hardees, McDonalds, and the local flea markets.

He is survived by his loving wife, Loretta of sixty-five years; daughter, Pamela D. Works (Michael); son, Ronnie D. Freeman (Susan); sister, Gail F. Taylor (Bucky); brother, James Freeman (Mildred); grandsons, Joshua "Josh" A. Freeman (Heather) and Jacob "Jake" A. Freeman (Kellie); great granddaughter, Hailey Mae Freeman; nieces, Jamie Johnson (Jim), Kim Taylor (Bee), and Frances Cook.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at Wright Funeral Service Chapel with Pastor Curt Ashley officiating. Visitation will be at 1 to 1:30 p.m., prior to the service.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net