Freeman McKindra Sr

Freeman McKindra, Sr., devoted husband (Wilma Jean Kelley, d. 2019) and father (Fatima, Freeman Jr., and Frederick), departed this earth September 6, 2025. Born the 11th of 14 children to Ruben Frank McKindra Jr. and Lillie Marks McKindra in the Union Chapel community in Conway County, AR, Freeman graduated in 1954 from Conway County Training School (CCTS), before matriculating at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical, & Normal College (now UAPB) in Pine Bluff. After a stint in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1956-1959, he returned to AM&N, graduating in 1961. McKindra then entered the Peace Corps, serving on the country's second tour abroad to West Pakistan. He taught at both Cardozo High School in Washington, D. C. and Elizabeth College in Kabba, Kwarere State, Nigeria before embarking on a career working to support community development and volunteerism efforts in Texas and Arkansas. For 15 years, he served as the Senior Program Officer for Economic Development with the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation in Little Rock. Upon retiring from WRF, McKindra served as a consultant for the UAMS College of Public Health. Led by a fierce commitment to community-a steadfast member of both the South End community and Reed Memorial C.M.E. Church-McKindra served on several boards committed to changing outcomes in the lives of Arkansans.

A public viewing for Mr. McKindra at Premier Funeral Home on Friday, September 19 begins at noon. The family hour will be from 6:30-7:30 pm at Premier Funeral Home. Services for Mr. McKindra will be held September 20, 2025, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church at noon.