Wendell Allen Freeman

He was born January 28, 1928, in Decatur Alabama to Lynn Ollie (L.O.) Freeman (deceased) and Beulah Clardy Freeman (deceased).

Wendell’s wife, Mae Copeland Freeman, passed away before him on December 6, 2024. They had been married 75 years. Wendell had been friends with the Copeland family and met Mae while visiting her brother Gene. They married on May 7, 1949, in the Copeland home.

Wendell and Mae were blessed with 3 children David L. Freeman (Terry), Doris Holland, and Dottie Pilcher (Jan), 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

Wendell grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from Woodlawn High School (he was a classmate with Bobby Bowden). He played trumpet in the band and was on the tennis team.

Wendell worked for National Linen Service first in Alabama and then transferred to central Florida in 1955. He retired from National Linen Service in Orlando. Mae and Wendell lived all over central Florida, including College Park, Cocoa, Orlando, Apopka, and an apartment at their granddaughter Jackie’s house in Longwood which put them in the middle of lots of fun gatherings.

He and Mae were always active in their church, going to Sunday and Wednesday services, Sunday school, choir practice. Wendell participated in gospel quartets, special musical performances, and directed choir. Some of the churches they belonged to over the years included College Park Baptist (Orlando), Powers Drive Baptist (Orlando), Northside Baptist (Lockhart), and lastly Trinity Baptist in Apopka, FL.

Wendell was a talented musician and performed professionally, first in a bluegrass band in Alabama (he was called Squeaky) playing live on radio stations and later as a member of “The Fuzz” a central Florida jazz band where he sang and played his trumpet. He wrote some of his own songs and poetry for his wife.

Wendell and Mae both enjoyed playing golf. He was able to play at St. Andrew’s in Scotland once, was a starter at Dubsdread golf course in Orlando, and volunteered for the Bay Hills Invitational. He and Mae enjoyed their home in Errol Estates on the golf course for many years.

Wendell will be remembered for his musical talent, quick wit, and abiding love for his wife, family, and the Gospel.

The Celebration of Life will be October 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.