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Henry Freeman Obituary
He attended and graduated from Poquoson High School where he met his future wife, Jeannie. They would have been married 49 years in December.
Earl retired in August 2008 from N.A.S.A Langley Research Center after 25 years, as well as from the IBEW Local 1340 after 36 years of membership. He also worked at Newport News Shipyard as an electrician. He loved the water, spending time on both commercial scallop boats, and his personal boats. He was an avid gardener and loved to share his vegetables with family and friends. Earl was a member of Emmaus Baptist Church, and the Poquoson Masonic Lodge #49 where he was Worshipful Master for the year 1999.
Earl was preceded in death by his father, Henry Earl Freeman Sr.; his grandparents, Russell and Sue Freeman, and Floyd and Hilda Green; and his father-in-laws, Vernon Owenby and Ben Wilson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Elizabeth "Jeannie" Freeman; three sons, Douglas P. Freeman, David E. Freeman and wife, Pam, and Darrell S. Freeman and wife, Myra; grandson, Jim Freeman, "Haw Paw's Little Buddy", all of Poquoson; his mother, Pearl "Nancy" Freeman; brother, Floyd Russell Freeman and friend, Anita Boyd of Nashville, Tenn.; sister, Susie Bellamy and husband, Mark; mother-in-law, Mary Wilson; sister-in-law, JoAnn Charlesworth and husband, Art of Richmond; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, and other times at his home, 176 Hunts Neck Road. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Emmaus Baptist Church by the Rev. George Insley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Poquoson Rescue Squad, 830 Poquoson Avenue, Poquoson, VA 23662. Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Freeman
Ruth & Fred Mason
August 27, 2009
May you find peace and happiness in your heart remembering all the wonderful times you shared together. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief.
August 21, 2009
Earl became part of my family in 1960 when he married my sister Jeannie. Over the years we enjoyed his generosity, his sense of humor and his goodwill toward others. We all loved him, but we didn't know that this small town Southern man had touched so many lives and left behind so many friends.
What a wonderful gift for Jeannie, her sons and grandson, and Nancy (Mama).
Jo Ann Charlesworth, Richmond, Virginia
Billy & Lee Evans
August 20, 2009
So sorry for the death of your son, your husband, your father, your grandfather, your brother and others who loved Earl. With all of the suffering he has endured, it must be comforting to know that death is not the end for those who believe. Those who know Jesus as Savior will have eternal life (John 10:28). God has prepared a new home for us where there will be no more death, tears or pain (Revelation 21:1-4).
Thomas Gabany
August 13, 2009
Earl was one of the most enjoyable people I have met at NASA over the years. Conversing with him was also enjoyable. A good man. My heart felt condolences to the Freeman family.
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LaJuan Insley
August 10, 2009
Jeannie, Darrell and Family, Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this difficult time.
Robert Fraser, III
August 9, 2009
I would like to extend my sympathy to the Freeman family. I am a distant relative as Sue Freeman was my grandmother, Margaret Phillips Fraser's, sister and my great aunt. I remember Earl when we were young.
Cal Paranteau
August 9, 2009
Jeannie,
I was truly saddened to hear of your loss. I was a classmate of "Beans" at PHS in 1959. I'm not sure if it was a smile or a smirk, but he always wore it well! I have fond memories of our many fun times together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Eddie Goff
August 7, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you at difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Julie Holloway
August 7, 2009
Dear Jeanie,
I am terribly sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Earl and he will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Irene Hardin
August 7, 2009
Dear Jeannie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family during this time. I talked to Ear Jr. not too long ago and am glad that I did. He was always a friend and we went to school together for twelve years. I will always remember him and you too.
If I can ever be of any help, just give me a call. Love, Irene
Betty & Ron Wilson
August 7, 2009
So sorry to hear of Earl, Jr.'s passing.
Our condolences to you and all your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June Howell
August 7, 2009
Dear Freeman Family,
I worked with Earl at NASA for the past 20 years or so. Earl was a very dedicated NASA worker. At one time Earl and I shared the same office. I have heard about Earls life and he patiently listened about mine. He always gave me advice some I listened to and some I didn't. Earl was a friend to all who met him. He would share his veggies with us at work. He told me about his grandsons ballgames and what a good player he was; he dearly loved Jim. I also listened to Earl about his past stories of his life.He shared with me about all his sons lives and how he loved them. But mostly and especially I heard about Jeannie and the mother-in-law. At lunchtime Earl would have the best lunches that were packed for him everyday that looked and smelled so good, I truley knew that his wife loved this wonderful man. He was a pearl, we called him "Earl the Pearl" and he earned that nick name. I will always miss Earl he was part of my extended family at work. I know that Earl loved his family ..he told me in his own certain way. I loved him as well. Rest in Peace Earl..I miss You.
Junebug
August 7, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Marshall Massengill
August 7, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Darrell and the entire Freeman family
Marsha Rew
August 6, 2009
For All the Freeman Family:
Earl, Jr. was a wonderful person and he loved his family with all his heart. I always enjoyed his smile and wit and I will miss him. It is good to know he no longer suffers and is at peace, waiting for you to join him one day. I know you have many happy memories and I am here to support you or help you when needed. I love all of you dearly.
Cathy Dunn
August 6, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patricia (Smith) Apelt
August 6, 2009
Jeannie,
As you know, I loved Earl like a brother. I think all of us of the PHS Class of 1959 felt that way about him. He seemed to always have a smile and a cheerful comment for everyone. We shared a lot of happy times in school, and again when we were both working at NASA. The world will now seem a bit dimmer without him in it. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help in any way.
Bill and Debbie Reagan
August 6, 2009
Jeannie,
We are so sorry for your loss.You and Earl made us feel like family when we lived in Mrs. Freeman's house,and boy am I missin those tomatoes.You will be in our prayers
Gary Carl
August 6, 2009
Earl, who I called "Earl the Pearl", was a true gentleman. I am also proud to have had him as a friend of mine. No more suffering for Earl,he is now in a place with a perfect body. We will meet again my friend and we will again discuss our vegatable gardens.
Terry Long
August 6, 2009
I worked with Earl at NASA. I feel very lucky to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
August 6, 2009
I am a co-worker at NASA Please know my thoughts and prayers are with
you during this difficult time Louise
Nat Saunders
August 6, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of Earl's passing,may God be with family at this time of sorry.
He was a close friend,and a masonic brother.
Richard Rawls
August 6, 2009
To the Freeman Family...
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you deal with the loss of Earl. I worked with him at NASA and also in the Poquoson Lodge. Earl was a wonderful, caring, sincere person. Please take comfort in knowing that Earl is no longer suffering, no longer in any pain or discomfort and is now in a much better place. May God Bless you all.
Barbara Lyman (formerly Forrest)
August 6, 2009
May you be comforted by the love and support of family and friends during this most difficut time. God be with each and every one of you.
August 6, 2009
Jeannie,
I just read in the paper about Earl Jr. and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon Messick Johnson
Denise, Justin, and Chase Hundley
August 6, 2009
Jeannie and Family -
Our hearts are saddened to hear of your loss. Earl was a good person. Randy enjoyed working with him many years ago and you both have been here for me in the recent years as we reconnected. May God bless each of you as you deal with the days ahead without him. Take good care of yourself and know that we are thinking of you.
Miichael & Patsy Bryan
August 6, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kathy Sterling-Acton
August 6, 2009
Nancy, Jeannie & Family
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you.
Stephanie Montgomery
August 6, 2009
To the Freeman Family -
My deepest sympathy to each of you in the loss of Mr. Freeman. I will never forget his show of strength and spirit as we shared in the delight of our fellas' baseball games. Experiencing the State Tournament in Luray with him was especially inspiring to me.
I will have you in my thoughts and hope that the days to come will bring you wonderful memories and much peace knowing that Mr. Freeman is watching over each of you from Heaven above.
A special hug and kiss to sweet Jim. I know that he made his grandfather very proud each and every day.
Cole Jackson's Grandmother
Judy Johnson
August 6, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Paula Chambers
August 6, 2009
Dear Freeman Family, I'm very sad to learn of the passing of Earl. Earl and I use to workout together at the NASA Fitness Center. He was such a wonderful and caring man and he sure loved his family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jon Lee Moore
August 6, 2009
Jeannie and family,
I want to offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and all your family with the passing of Earl Jr.Words can not express the saddness in my heart this day.
May you all find comfort in all of the great memories you have.
Jon Lee
Jerry and Barbara Harris
August 6, 2009
Jennie
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
In Gods love,
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