Willie Freeman

1928 - 2023

Willie Freeman, age 95, of Hector, died Saturday, April 22, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family at Conway Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 8, 1928, on Indian Creek to Louis and Luella Freeman.

He had five siblings, was a man of God, and a man of his word. He loved to be outdoors and was an avid hunter. One of his favorite things to do was hunt for squirrels and hogs. He had an insatiable work ethic and always had a smile on his face. He dedicated 23 years to the US Forestry Service, which he retired from in 1985. He loved storytelling and being with his family. He was a member of Falling Water Church, where he met and married the love of his life, Ollie Fae Chisum-Freeman on April 7, 1945. Together they were married for 68 years and created a large family who were the center of their lives. Willie was a father to his seven children, grandfather to several grandchildren, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather to two, and a loving sister, Viola Wheeler.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ollie Fae; three sons, Bill Lewis Freeman, Jerry Lee Freeman, and Cecil Freeman; two sons-in-law, Carroll Holland, and Dave Pierce; and a daughter-in-law Linda Freeman.

He is survived by two daughters, Mary Pierce, and Oretta Holland; two sons and daughters-in-law, Don (Missy) Freeman and Steve (Debbie) Freeman; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service is 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Hector First Assembly, with the Rev. Shannon Pruitt and the Rev. Roy Chisum officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-6 p.m.

Randy Butts, Lee Burris, Steve Michael Freeman, Randy Smith, Tony Gray, and Jonathan Freeman are Pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers are all the retired US Forestry Service employees David Turney, Troy, and Scotty Chisum.

Memorials may be made to Hector First Assembly of God, 11421 AR-27, Hector, AR 72843.

Online guestbooks and condolences are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.