John Henry Freeman Jr.

John Henry Freeman, Jr., a resident of Pensacola for 57 years, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2023. Memorial services will be held at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel on Scenic Highway at 2:00 p.m., Saturday July 8, 2023.

John was born on November 26, 1944 in Washington DC. His parents were John Henry Freeman Sr. and Ann Marie Kankkonen of Hillsboro, MS. John attended East Central Junior College where he served as student body president and later graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in accounting.

During his 40-year career in the civil service, John served in the Navy Audit Service and later went to the Chief of Naval Education and Training where he worked in the Foreign Military Sales Division. Finally, he was a plank-owner of the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity where he served as Comptroller until the end of his career. He always believed he had the best job in government and spoke fondly of all his commanders, peers, and employees.

John was a wonderful father, husband and friend. He loved golf, fishing and gardening but given a choice would probably prefer to tend to his yard. He was the founding member of “Callaway Golf Group” that made an annual pilgrimage to those beautiful greens for over 35 years for good golf and good times. He served as an usher for First United Methodist Church for several years. He was devoted to his wife Anne and they had a loving marriage. When she became ill with early onset Alzheimer’s, he took care of her for many years until she passed in his arms. He was a loving father to his only daughter Johanna. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was liked by all who met him. Champion to the underdog, he was generous and never said an unkind word. He was well loved by family and friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Johanna Freeman (Tony Duck) of Pensacola; siblings Ken Freeman (Sandra) of Ellerslie, GA , Diane Rives (David) of Newton, MS, Gary Freeman (Angela) of North Richland Hill, TX and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Suggestions for memorial contributions include Alzheimer’s Association, The First United Methodist Church of Pensacola or a church of your choice.