Ted Freeman

Ted B. Freeman MARION Ted B. Freeman, 80, died Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, at Burke Hospice in Valdese, after a brief battle with cancer. Born Oct. 19, 1931, in Bat Cave, he was the son of the late Theodore and Ella Mae Freeman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Helen Freeman Earley and Juanita Freeman Curtis. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Keller Freeman; his son, Ben and wife, Gwen; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Freeman Peep-les and her husband, Jay, Dalton Freeman and Justin Snider and his wife, Katy; two great- grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Ted entered Appalachian State Teachers College, where he earned a B.S. as well as an M.A. degree. He later received his Ed.S. degree from Western Carolina. At Appalachian, he played right tackle on the championship team of 1954. Immediately after college, Ted came to Marion to be a teacher, an assistant coach for football and the head coach for girls' basketball. Three years later, he was named head football coach and athletic director. In 1966, he became principal of Marion High School and then in 1972, when schools consolidated, he was named principal of McDowell High. From 1982 until his retirement in 1990, he served first as assistant superintendent and then as an associate superintendent for McDowell County Schools. Ted was a longtime member of St. John's Episcopal Church. During those years he served a number of terms on the vestry and several times as senior warden. He was also a lay reader, usher, and Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed raising and training his beagles and competed in many field trial competitions. He was a member and past president of the Lure Beagle Club. He loved golf and was a member and past president of the Marion Lake Club. A memorial service for Ted will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Richard Rowe officiating. Ted's cremated remains will be placed in the church's columbarium. The family will receive friends in the Parish House following the service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in his memory are asked to consider St. John's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 968, Marion, NC. Westmoreland Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. An online register is available under "Obituaries" at www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.