RAY AUSTIN FREEMAN

Ray Austin Freeman DARLINGTON - Ray A. "Bud" Freeman, 83, of Darlington, died at home on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 surrounded by his loved ones. Bud was born November 27, 1925 in Chesterfield County. He was one of five children born to the late Austin and Pearl Wilkes Freeman. His brother Harry Freeman and his two sisters, Virginia Kirven and Dorothy Weatherford pre-deceased him. His brother Ralph Freeman and wife Grace reside in Chesterfield County and his sister Sherry Friesen resides in Darlington. Mr. Freeman served his country during World War II in the Merchant Marines. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the military he joined the South Carolina Highway Patrol. He served in this capacity in the upstate of South Carolina primarily in the Anderson, Westminster, and Greenwood areas. On January 21, 1955 he married Helen Patricia Lunan in Sumter, South Carolina. They then moved to Darlington where he raised his family. He was the owner and operator of Freeman Logging Company for over thirty years before his retirement. His greatest joy was his family. Bud and his wife Pat had nine children to include Maria Brady, Mona Smith, Melanie Mowrer, Melissa Robertson, Michele Gause, Buddy Freeman, David Freeman, Teddy Freeman and Marcia Freeman; 19 grandchild-ren, Macie Brady, Marisa Brady, Tristan Smith, Brianna Smith, Sara Lamb-son, Jennifer Mowrer, Amber Robertson, David Robertson, Allison Gause, Emily Mann, Adam Gause, Mallory Freeman-Hancock, Austin Freeman, Rudy Freeman, Jenna Freeman, Madelyn Freeman, Caleb Martin, Christy Martin, and Cheyenne Martin; two step-grandchildren, Michael Smith and Kenny Smith; three step-great-grandchildren, Daniel Smith, Preston Smith and Gracyn Smith; one special daughter; Mary Ann Williams; a special friend, James Jackson; his be-loved poodle, Madie; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services for will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 21, 2009, at Kistler - Hardee Funeral Home Chapel in Darling-ton. A private committal service will be held at a later time at the LDS Cemetery near Society Hill. The family deeply appreciates your many acts of kindness during their loss. They humbly ask for your understanding as they grieve privately in their home. However, they are receiving friends 6 PM until 7 PM Friday, November 20, 2009 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in his honor to a charity of one's choosing. Friends are invited to sign the online register at Kistlerhardeefuneralhome.com.