Senior Chief Petty Officer W.W. Freeman departed this life Friday May 2, 2014 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Winifer Watson Freeman was born at Bauer, Ky. on October 10, 1922 to the late George Grant and Lula Pearl Bolton Freeman.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Holt Freeman of thirty- four years, two sons, Stephen Grant Freeman of Westlake, CA. and John Howard (Inga) Freeman of Newbury Park, CA., two sisters, Dorothy Hadding of Waynesfield, OH. and Katheryn Bryant of Greenwood, Ky., daughter-in-law Meribeth Freeman of Camarillo, CA., four grandsons, Peter (Julie) Freeman, David Freeman, Matthew Freeman and Jared Freeman, two granddaughters, Heidi Corrado and Ashley Freeman, two great-granddaughters, Alexandria Freeman and Marillion Freeman. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends who are dear and special.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Winifer Jr., two brothers George Junior Freeman and Earl Warren Freeman, two sisters Ella Siler and Geneva Sprague and mother-in-law Dona Holt.
Chief Petty Officer Freeman served forty- one years with honor and distinction in the United States Navy and had nine inventions to his credit, one of which he was most proud was Royal Purple. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Somerset, a certified master watchmaker and gemologist, a lifetime member of Fleet Reserve, VFW and the American Legion Post #38, and its Honor Guard. He was instrumental in the re-establishment at the current site of the American Legion building today. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason of Somerset Lodge #111, a Boy Scout Leader, Kentucky Colonel, former owner and operator of Freeman’s Jewelry for twenty plus years.
Visitation will be held Wednesday May 7, 2014 after 6pm in the Memory Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home and after 8 am Thursday May 8th at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday May 8, 2014 at 11am in the Memory Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home with Dr. French Harmon and American Legion Chaplain Clarence Floyd officiating.
Masonic services will be Wednesday May 7th at 6 pm by the Somerset Masonic Lodge #111.
Burial will follow at Mill Springs National Cemetery with full military honors by his “Comrades” of the American Legion Post #38 Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to the American Legion Post #38 Honor Guard, First Baptist Church of Somerset or your favorite charity.
You may send condolences to the family by visiting our website at www.southernoaksfuneralhome.com
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Richard D. New, Director.