William E. Free III

A Time to Be Born

William Elmo Free, III, affectionately known by his friends and family as "Third," was born on July 24, 1951, in Union, South Carolina and entered into eternal rest on September 17, 2025.

He was the youngest son of the late Zora Juanita Hill Free, and William Elmo Free, Jr. He was preceded in death by his brother, the late Howard L. Free, Sr.

Those He Cherished

The heart of Third's life was his family. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 51 years, Carolyn Green Free; his beloved daughter, Martinique (EJ Jeroro) Free of Laurel, MD; and his precious granddaughter, Ma'isah Jeroro of Laurel, MD. He is also survived by his sister, Eleanor (George) Devlin of Roswell, GA, and two sisters-in-law, Maggie Ruth Green Watson of Chesnee, SC and Gayle Coleman Free of Spartanburg, SC, as well as three special cousins, Charlotte Wilson Ferguson of Columbia, SC, Linda (Charlie) Fernandes of St. Louis, MO, and Michael (Diana) Lopes of Boston, MA. He will be remembered by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and a special "play daughter," Angel Fersner.

Third will be remembered for his infectious smile and a personality that could brighten any room. He had a lifelong love of cars, beginning with his very first-a Chevy Vega, proudly customized with a heart-shaped design in the back window. He also found joy in cheering on the Benedict Tigers and the South Carolina State Bulldogs. He especially loved tailgating and celebrating those moments with family and friends.

Most importantly, Third loved the Lord. He was a devoted member of St. Luke Presbyterian Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon, while also remaining deeply connected to his family's home church, Corinth Baptist Church in Union, South Carolina.

His Journey, His Legacy

From an early age, "Third" was playful, fun-loving, and had a gift for making friends wherever he went. Growing up in Union, he spent much of his childhood at the family's shoe repair shop, where he admired the way his father and grandfather cared for their customers with such skill and kindness. Always eager to help, he took pride in shining shoes and happily pitched in with small tasks like sweeping, dusting, and stocking shelves.

He received his early education in Union County Schools and, in 1968, graduated from Mather Academy in Beaufort, South Carolina, as a member of the historic "Instant High School Grads, Class of 1968." During his years at Mather, he distinguished himself as a student leader and a vibrant contributor to campus life. He served as secretary of the Joseph Mather Men's Club, was a member of the Student Council, sang in the Mather Choral Group, played on the Varsity Basketball Team, and participated in the Arpeggios Music Club.

After high school, Third pursued higher education with determination. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Benedict College in Columbia, SC, followed by a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, SC. A true entrepreneur, Third balanced his counseling career with work in his father-in-law's funeral business, Carolina Mortuary, owned and operated by Carry "Son" Green. Inspired by this experience, he pursued formal training at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a degree in Mortuary Science and obtained licenses in both funeral directing and embalming. His commitment to learning also led him to study at various colleges and universities across the country.

Third's professional journey began in counseling, where his compassion and guidance left a lasting mark on the lives of many. He first worked with the South Carolina Department of Corrections in job development and later as a rehabilitation counselor with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. He also shared his wisdom in the Union County and Orangeburg County School Systems, where he encouraged and uplifted students. After 25 years of faithful service to the state of South Carolina, he retired from government work in September 2007, leaving behind a legacy of care, dedication, and encouragement.

In 1992, he fulfilled his dream of opening Union Community Funeral Home, where he faithfully served the people of Union until his passing. His commitment to funeral service extended beyond his own community, as he also offered support to funeral homes throughout the Orangeburg region.

Never one to limit himself, "Third" also pursued subdivision development. He established Martinique Estates, in Union, SC, reflecting his enduring commitment to improving the lives of others.

To know Third was to be touched by his kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering faith. While we will miss him dearly, we celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will never fade.