Donald Gene "Donnie Boy" Freeman

Donald Gene "Donnie Boy" Freeman was born on June 14th, 1957 in Dublin Ga and raised in his beloved Goldbas and Washington Courts apartments in Utica NY. He passed away on September 5th, 2024, after a brief illness with his loving family by his side at Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY, at the age of 67. He was a well-known and cherished figure in his community who will be remembered for his vibrant personality and deep love for his family.

Donnie Boy was the epitome of the life of the party, always ready to make others laugh and lend a helping hand without hesitation. He would give you the shirt off his back and not take no for an answer. He loved to brag about his role in "The Junior Temptations," a group he co-founded that brought joy across Utica with their spirited talent, funky clothing and stellar performances.

Donnie Boy attended Potts Elementary, Kernan and UFA High School in Utica NY. His commitment to work was as strong as his love for fun so much so that he wouldn't hesitate to jump on the bean field bus to find work; he was a dedicated employee at Insight House and later the Utica Train Station, where he never missed a day in eight years.

His hobbies included dancing, watching sports and western movies, and taking cherished fishing trips with family members.

He is survived by his beloved son, Donald Freeman Jr and his four grandchildren Donesty Freeman, Hezekiah Henderson, Devon Cardin, and Aiprayus Robinson. Donnie Boy also leaves behind his brothers Tirus Freeman, Clay Woods, Travis Woods (Katie), Nicky Woods, and his sister Lisa Woods (Malik) as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews to include Kayla, Tmya, Tyann, Nakia, Jyanna, JoNique, Danielle, Matt, Devin, Carson, Clay Jr (Danielle), Nicole (Harvey), Cameron, Travina, Damont, Aaliyah, Coella (Rashid), Quaneisha, Brandon (Tytrese), Devon, Drequan, Samir, Rita (Tommy), Cory, Janelle, Shayna, Mike, Rondrel (Jameela), Nidra, Anthony, Ricky (Jennifer), and Jordan who will all treasure his memory. He was predeceased by his parents, Novia Lee Woods and Ella (Freeman) Woods, his siblings Iris Woods, Ronald Freeman, Nolan Woods, Novia Lee Woods Jr., and nephews Noriel Stubbs, Tirus Freeman Jr, and Antoine Clarke.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at both Wynn Hospital and The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their treatment and care.

Services to honor Donnie Boy's life will be held on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, from 12 pm to 2 pm at Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South Street, Utica, NY. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.