Joe C Freeman

Joseph Crayton Freeman, 74, of Forest City, NC, died Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center, Rutherfordton.  Born in Rutherford County, NC, he was the son of the late Forney and Hazel Ross Freeman.  After graduating from Appalachian State University, Joe worked several places throughout his life, spending much of his career with Watkins Automobiles and later with NC Farm Bureau.  After retirement, he worked for several years with Rutherford County Transit.  He was an avid fan of Appalachian State football and the Atlanta Braves.  Joe was a member of Florence Baptist Church where he was a deacon and a member of the Virgil Webb Sunday school class.  He loved spending time working in his yard and rose garden, and was also very artistic.  For many years, Joe would regularly take roses from his garden to various church members.  He truly loved life, his family and time shared with friends, keeping so busy that he maintained a social calendar to keep up with it all.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-one years, Barbara Walker Freeman of the home; his son, Ryan Freeman and fiancé Melissa of Colfax, NC; and grandchildren, Ryder Freeman and Robbie Ortiz; his brothers-in-law, Lanny Walker and wife Annette, and Sheldon Walker and wife Sandra; and a host of nieces, nephews and special cousins.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Florence Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Selman and Dr. Bobby Gantt officiating.  Interment will follow in the Providence United Methodist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 pm Monday at The Padgett & King Mortuary.  Memorials may be made to Florence Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 S. Broadway Street, Forest City, NC 28043 or to the American Heart Association, P O Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

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