Timothy Wayne Freeman

Timothy Wayne Freeman "Tim", 63, of Churchland, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at Hinkle Hospice House in Lexington, after a courageous 18-month battle with colon cancer.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Churchland Baptist Church, where he was a dedicated member. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Don Clement and Rev. Dr. Steve Martin. The family will greet friends from 12:30 to 1:30 PM prior to the service.

Tim was born on May 29, 1961, in Davidson County to Joseph Rudolph Freeman and Ida Whitley Freeman. Raised in Welcome, he graduated from North Davidson High School in 1979. Tim was a faithful member of Churchland Baptist Church, where he served multiple terms as a deacon and was involved in various committees. He was also entrusted with overseeing the church’s security, a responsibility he took with great care and dedication.

Tim was the proud owner and operator of JR Freeman Crane Service, a business he ran with his brother Sammy after their father’s passing. He also had a lifelong passion for martial arts, beginning his training at the age of 10. He later became a 5th-degree black belt in Kyokushin karate, teaching for many years at his dojo in Welcome. Even in his later years, Tim continued to practice with his black belt students at home until just a few months before his passing.

In addition to his love for martial arts, Tim was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, owning several Harley Davidson motorcycles throughout his life. His commitment to his community was also evident in his involvement with the Churchland Booster Club, where he served as president for many years. He played a key role in establishing Babe Ruth baseball in Davidson County, leaving a lasting impact on local youth sports.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Danny Freeman, Sammy Freeman, and Gary Freeman, as well as his sisters-in-law, Kathey Parnell and Linda Freeman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Parnell Freeman, of the home; his sons, Joey Freeman (Samantha) of Churchland and Justin Freeman (Mikaela Marion) of Concord; his sister, Carolyn Walser (Talbert) of Lexington; his sisters-in-law, Debra Freeman, and Janet Freeman, both of Lexington, and Nancy Swicegood of Churchland; brother-in-law, Terry Parnell of Churchland; his cherished grandchildren, Jameson Freeman and Declan Freeman, who were “Papaw’s Boys”; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to Churchland Baptist Church, 7516 NC Hwy 150 South, Lexington, NC 27295, or to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292.