George Howard Freeman | Eastern North Carolina Now

    George Howard Freeman, age 93, a resident of the Swan Point Community, Washington NC, died Saturday, November 20, 2021, surrounded by family.

    The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church, Washington NC.

    A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM Wednesday in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Ken Hall. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

    The following will serve as pallbearers: Russell Davenport, Brad Davenport, Mike Davenport, John Lynn Asby, Jr., Cody Asby and Chris Swinson. Members of the Washington Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 20-6 will serve as honorary pallbearers.

    George was born in Hoke County, N.C. on September 9, 1928. He was the only child of the late George Mac Freeman and Flora Mae Long Freeman. Growing up in Raeford, NC he was a star athlete for Hoke County High School. He stared on the baseball and football teams and was recruited to play tackle for The Lees McRae Bobcats in Banner Elk, NC. He wore jersey 66 and played both ways at left tackle. Upon graduating from Lees McRae, George married the love of his life Elizabeth Dale Ivey. They enjoyed 43 wonderful years together while raising three children.

    Dale preceded him in death on July 29th,1995. Son-in-law Michael "Moose" Moore lost his life on March 31, 2002. Beverly Freeman Moore, his beloved daughter preceded him in death on December 23, 2017.

    George was a Korean War US Army Veteran who served his country with distinction and pride. Upon discharge he went to work for Burlington Industries in Raeford and was a retired finance/plant manager with National Spinning in Washington, NC. He had 28-year career with National and was proud of his industrial accomplishments. Not ready for retirement, he hit the road, delivering boats and trailers all over the US until the age of 88, logging over 1,000,000 miles in his two red trucks. This was truly a second calling as father time was the only thing that could slow him down.

    In 1976 George and Dale joined the local Coast Guard Auxiliary, and their Sea Ox "Pelagic" provided many assists and rescues on the Pamlico River. George was passionate about his love of the water and educating boaters. George rose to the rank of Rear Commodore of The Southern Area, a position which allowed him and Dale to travel all over the US representing the Coast Guard and its mission. George spent 40 years with the organization and swelled with pride in his public service to his God and Country.

    In 1991 George earned his OUPV Captains license as issued by the USCG. In 2000 with his son, they formed, FreeBird Sport Fishing INC. Together they charter fished out of Atlantic Beach, NC for several years, spending countless days chasing Tuna, Dolphin, and Wahoo. Captain George loved his life on Gods beautiful waters.

    Cap'n George was a man of faith throughout his life. He led by example, raised his children in the house of God, taught Sunday School and was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. His family gathered on most Sundays to fellowship and celebrate all of Gods blessings.

    George had a special companion, Barbara Roan who proceed him in death in 2019. They had 18 wonderful years together. Barb spent many hours riding shotgun on his boat deliveries. You could usually find them staying at his beloved Salter Path NC retreat.

    Mr. Freeman is survived by his daughter, Daphne Freeman White and husband, John of Wilson; son, Mike Freeman and wife, Susan Davenport Freeman of Washington; four grandchildren, Ginny White Hemrick (Derek) of Hamptonville, NC, Caroline Elizabeth Asby (Cody) of Pinetown, Katherine Moore Swinson (Christopher) of Greenville, George Colby Freeman of Washington; and two great grandchildren, Samuel David Hemrick, Michael Ryder Asby.

    A Life well lived. Rest in Peace Our Captain.

    The family will receive at other times at the home of his son, Mike Freeman, 201 Goose Creek Road, Washington, N.C. 27889.