James Richard "Dick" Freeman

James Richard Freeman, age 88, died on April 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Freeman was born on February 9, 1929 in Orlando, Florida. He was the son of William Harvey Freeman Jr. and Marie Louise Tabler Freeman. He was predeceased by his three brothers: T. Harvey Freeman III, Guy E. Freeman, and Robert L. Freeman. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 64 years, Mary Virginia Criswell Freeman and their three children: Dr. William Criswell Freeman (Angela), Mary Jo Freeman Johnson (Kirk “Jelly Roll”), and Donna Sue Freeman. Mr. Freeman is also survived by four granddaughters: Mary Susan Freeman McConnell (Sean), Virginia Criswell Kelley, Patricia Hawthorne Kelley, and Marie Carlisle Freeman as well as a step-grandson, Christopher Allen Raquet, and a great-granddaughter, Abiella Afia McConnell. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Mrs. Robert L. Freeman (Ginny), his brother-in-law, James L. Harper, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Freeman graduated from Mt. Juliet High School and Vanderbilt University. He was an officer in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was active in the real estate business for more than fifty years. Mr. Freeman served as president of the Nashville Board of Realtors and the Tennessee Board of Realtors and was honored as Realtor of the Year by both organizations. During a long and successful career, he was assisted by Ronda Hardwick, who worked with Mr. Freeman for 39 years. Mr. Freeman was one of the founders of Harding Academy, and he helped establish the Harvey Freeman Memorial Library in Mt. Juliet. He also gave properties to build numerous churches in Middle Tennessee. Freeman Hall at Belmont University is named in his honor.

Mr. Freeman was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was also a Mason and a member of the McWhirtersville Lodge in Donelson, Tennessee for over sixty years.

Mr. Freeman had a lifelong interest in history and genealogy. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, First Families of Tennessee, Sons of the Republic of Texas, and Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Pallbearers will be nephews, great-nephews, and great-great nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be James Harper, Bill Freeman, Babs Freeman-Loftis, Brenda Freeman, Beth Moore, Bonnie Endsley, Rebecca Freeman, Guy Freeman, Mallarie Drake, Thomas H. Freeman IV, Stephen Freeman, Ginny Griffin, Richard Griffin, Tom Loftis, Jeff Jones, Ronda Hardwick, Thanh Nguyen, Edwin Schultz, Jim Tackett, Roy Wauford, Terry Hunter, John Noel, Lee Noel, Brent Hurd, Raymond Hurd, Stewart Bronaugh, Lyle Beasley, Rich Abel, Joe Draper, Marvin Mayes, Phil Russ, George Wingett, Dr. Linda Bonvissuto, and Dr. Dante Graves.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Providence World (Mr. Freeman was very interested in this orphanage, school and medical clinic in Honduras.), P. O. Box 50413 Nashville, TN 37205-0413 or to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203. Visitation will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Ave., Nashville, on Friday, April 14, 2017 from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11:30. Please visit the online obituary: www.hermitagefh.com. Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138. 615-889-0361.