Bill Freeman, 78


Bill Freeman, 78

Funeral services for Billy Wakefield Freeman, 78, of West Plains, were held May 6, 2020, at Central Church of Christ in West Plains with Evangelists Arvil Hill and Steve Stamatis officiating. Mr. Freeman died May 2 at his home.

He was born Aug. 24, 1941, the son of Earl “Buck” Freeman and Myrtle Ballinger Freeman. He grew up in Dora and graduated from Dora High School with the close-knit class of 1959. On May 17, 1996, in Salem, Arkansas, he Ruby Hall.

Mr. Freeman loved the Lord and his church family. He made a joyful noise to the Lord and loved gospel singings. He drove the church bus to area-wide singings for several years. 

He spent most of his career as a firefighter with the West Plains Fire Department. Through his job, he became acquainted with many people in West Plains. He was someone who never met a stranger, and he never forgot a face. He loved his family deeply; his eight grandchildren were the joy of his old age.

Bill shared many experiences with extraordinary friends and co-workers.  Many jokes were played and stories exaggerated; he enjoyed those times with each and every person.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby; one son, Bill Freeman and wife Karen; three blended-family daughters who were blessed by his love, Janet Callahan, Barbie Oliver and husband, Gina Lair and husband Shawn; eight grandchildren, Ashton, Devon, Audrey, Dane, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Shelby and Greyson; one sister, Shirley Vining and husband John; one nephew, Terry Vining and wife Patti; three step-grandchildren, Sarah Lawson, Doug Dierck, Richard Dierck and wife, Ashley; and 12 step-great-grandchildren.

His parents and an infant step-great-grandson preceded him in death.

Burial was in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home or to Jerry’s Kids for Muscular Dystrophy and may be left at the funeral home.

Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, directors.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
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Phone: (417) 679-4641
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