Gary Wayne Freeman

Sports were an integral part of Gary’s life. He was a member of the baseball team at Gadsden High School where he graduated in 1953. He was awarded a baseball scholarship to The University of Alabama where he was a pitcher from 1955-1958. He was a member of the 1955 Alabama SEC Championship team. He was a member of the Alabama A-Club and Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.

After graduating from Alabama, Gary served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He then was employed by the Gadsden City Board of Education where he also enjoyed coaching. In 1962, he began his career with Gulf States Steel Corporation. After 38 years in management, he retired as General Manager of Operations.

Gary served as Captain of the Gadsden Quarterback Club. He was an avid supporter of Alabama football. He attended 65 consecutive Alabama vs Auburn football games which is one of the longest Iron Bowl attendance streaks.

Gary was a life-long Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Gadsden for 47 years. After relocating to Birmingham, he was a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. He faithfully served as a greeter each Sunday, recalling it as one of his most favorite and loved times in his life.

Gary's family, especially his granddaughters, were his inspiration in life. He was predeceased by his parents, Cliffie Mary Freeman and Hershell Baskin Freeman; daughter, Margaret Ann Freeman; brother, Hershell Baskin Freeman Jr.; and his beloved in-laws, Doris Glenn Hickman and Judge Wiley Johnston Hickman.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret Hickman Freeman; son, Gary Wayne Freeman Jr. (Jeanae); daughter, Elizabeth Freeman Jackman (Mike); granddaughters, Meghan Freeman Wright (Ben), Margaret Ann Jackman, and Mary Elizabeth Jackman; brother-in-law, David Paul Hickman (Vickie); two nieces; and one nephew.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama, immediately followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church. A private family burial at Crestwood Cemetery in Gadsden, Alabama will be later that day.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Gadsden, or the Big Oak Ranch.