Thomas Freeman

Thomas Mack Freeman, Jr. passed away December 15, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born July 20, 1932, as the first of six sons to farmers in Tuscaloosa, and he inherited their gift of growing the best watermelons in the state. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was the proud father of three and was married to the love of his life for 56 years. During his career, he was employed by the Paper Mill for many years, 15 years with Stage Coach Inn, and after 25 years retired from the Capstone Hotel.

He loved Alabama football, Doris’ homemade banana pudding, and when he finally retired at age 78, he lived on the back porch soaking up the sun. As a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, he cherished the hours spent patiently playing with and teaching them. As anyone sharing his last name would expect, his competitive streak knew no mercy, immortalized through endless stories of competition and the notoriously cutthroat checker wars with his sons. While he was a man of few words, he leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, and enduring love. His absence leaves an unfillable void, but the greatest gift he leaves us all is his profession of faith in accepting Jesus. We lean on that echoing promise of God’s eternal love and promise that through Him we have the hope of eternity.

He is reunited in death with his son, Thomas Wayne Freeman, his parents, Thomas Mack, Sr. and Bessie Mae Freeman, brothers, Jack Freeman and Howard Freeman.

He is survived by his wife Doris Freeman, son, Shane Freeman, daughter Tommie Lynn Branhill, daughter-in-law Stephanie Jackson (Shane), grandchildren, Isaiah Freeman, Tiphany Freeman, Bailee Freeman, Brandon Swan, Terah Downs, Johnathan Barnhill, brothers, Jimmy Freeman, Doug Freeman, and Bob Freeman (Theresa), numerous nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be officiated by Pastor Gene Jordan, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 14415 S Rosser Rd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35405. Pallbearers will be Bob Freeman, Shane Freeman, Isaiah Freeman, Alden Claros, Shane Jackson, and Jackson Hays.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VA Hospital or Oak Grove Baptist Church.