Pastor Emeritus Willie J. Freeman

Pastor Freeman was born on February 5,1946, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the late John and Lillie Mae Freeman. He attended Dillard Elementary & High School and received his High School diploma from Big Ben Community College of Chicago. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from American Baptist College, Nashville, TN.

He was drafted in The US Army in 1965 and served honorably for 21 ½ years retiring at the rank of 1st Sergeant. Pastor Freeman served two tours in Vietnam from 1966-1967 and 1969-1970 where he gave his life to Christ.

Pastor Freeman was married 57 years to Jo Ellen Ammons Freeman and they have three daughters, Sonya, Donna, and Karen.

Pastor Freeman was called to the gospel ministry and licensed to preach in 1972 under the leadership of the late Pastor R.A Abercombie at Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church, Killeen, TX. He was ordained to preach in 1980 by the Mt.Olive Baptist Church, Clarksville, TN, under the Leadership of the late Pastor Jimmy Terry Sr. He served as interim Pastor of the Little Rock Baptist Church Erin, TN, and Mt. Zion Baptist Church in the Round Pound Community. He also served as Pastor of Haynes Chapel Baptist Church, as a Missionary for the Casey Housing Area, Nashville, TN, and the Public Housing Area of Clarksville, TN.

Pastor Freeman was the founding pastor of Greater Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor was a faithful supporter of The Gideon and gave his testimony at several of their gatherings in the State of Tennessee. He faithfully taught and preached weekly at the Clarksville Jail leading several Intmates to Christ.

Pastor Emeritus Willie J. Freeman of Greater Missionary Baptist Church went to be with the Lord peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at his home with his loving family by his side.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his Wife Jo Ellen Freeman, three daughters Donna (Joe) Hardy, Sonya (Silas) Session, Karen (Lon) Callendar; three sisters Mary Alice Freeman, Carolyn Hankerson, and Deloris Kenty; one brother Melvin Freeman; three grandsons Nathan Hardy, Isaiah Edwards, and Silas Session Jr; granddaughter Kristan (Trey)Lewis, 3 great-grandchildren Isaiah Edwards Jr, Kimani Hardy, and Trey Lewis Jr. and a host of Nephews, Nieces, Relatives, and Greater Missionary Baptist Church Family and friends.

Viewing Sunday, June 29, 2025, 1:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Greater Missionary Baptist Church. Homegoing Celebration 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, at Firat Baptist Church Clarksville, 499 Commerce St Clarksville, TN 37040. Interment with full military rites at Kentucky Veteran Cemetery West, Hopkinsville, KY.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Gideons International Processing Center P.O. Box 97251 Washington, DC 20090-7251; To make a gift by phone, call toll-free 1-866-382-4253.