BASS-SMITH FUNERAL HOME
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Franklin (Frank) Freeman, Jr. announces his passing at the age of 89 on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at his home in Hickory, NC with his two daughters by his side.
Frank was born to Elizabeth Manning Freeman and Robert Franklin Freeman, Sr. on November 9, 1931, on a farm where the Charlotte airport now sits. Frankie, as he was called back then, was a Boy Scout and raised chickens to sell the eggs along with other farming duties. He attended Berryhill High School, graduating with 18 others in 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November of 1951 and was a communication specialist during the Korean Conflict for 2 years. The Navy "deposited" him in Seattle, WA and to save money, he hitched back to N.C. Once back in Charlotte, he reflected to his mother that all the young ladies were either married or dating someone. She replied, "How about Eleanor Orr?" who was attending Brevard College with his sister. Obviously, a stellar suggestion as they were married on December 19, 1954, in Charlotte and had a loving, joy filled 64-year marriage.
After marrying, they moved to Salisbury NC where he attended Catawba College and earned a degree in accounting in 1956. Upon graduating and obtaining his CPA, Frank joined the IRS where he worked for 31 years in Fayetteville, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Hickory. Frank, not one to be idle, joined the CPA firm of George G. Scott in 1986 until 2000 and then worked with H. Ed Williams, Jr. until 2018. If you are counting (like good accountants do) he worked for 63 years, clearly making good use of that degree and staying busy. Frank was active in the various Presbyterian churches he attended, holding service positions such as treasurer, deacon, and usher. Frank enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, and fishing. He also relished working in his garden with his specialty being tomatoes; however, he grew a wide variety of produce which he readily shared with family and friends.
Frank is survived by his daughters Tracy Ann Freeman and Pamela Gayle Freeman; son-in-law Todd Walker; and eight nieces and nephews. Frank is predeceased by his loving wife; his parents; and his sisters Sara Freeman Jones and Anna Bigham Councilman. He will be greatly missed by many and was dearly loved; however, we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now home with his Heavenly Father and his beloved wife Eleanor.
The memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 2:30 pm with a reception following at the First Presbyterian Church located at 237 2nd St NW, Hickory, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, the First Presbyterian's Good Samaritan Fund, or the Blue Ridge Park National Park Foundation. The family would like to thank his in-home care givers and Carolina Caring for their excellent service. Bass-Smith Funeral Home is serving the family and condolences may be left online at www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com.
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