Family Card - Person Sheet
Family Card - Person Sheet
NameNeill Willis Freeman Jr 
Birth25 Mar 1919, Mt Gilead, Montgomery County, NC
Death28 Aug 2011, Wilmington, New Hanover County, NC
Burial2 Sep 2011, Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington, New Hanover County, NC
FatherNeill Willis Freeman (1897-1982)
MotherWilline Thelma James (1899-1988)
Spouses
Birth15 Jun 1920, Wilson County, NC
Death25 May 2017, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC
Burial6 Jun 2017, Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington, New Hanover County, NC
Marriage1943
ChildrenNeill Willis (1944-)
Julia (1947-)
John (1950-)
James (1957-)
Notes for Neill Willis Freeman Jr
Neill Willis Freeman, Jr.
Neill Willis Freeman, Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 28, 2011, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Helen Yelverton Freeman, the love of his life for 68 years. Mr. Freeman was born on March 25, 1919, in Mt. Gilead, NC, and raised in Star, NC. He attended Appalachian State Teacher's College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina State University in 1940. Following graduation, he served in the United States Navy. After leaving the navy, Mr. Freeman moved to Florida where he taught high school and subsequently worked for the U.S. Veterans Administration. He later joined the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. From there his service led him to Washington, DC, where he led Federal programs to provide food and nutrition to the poor and needy, including the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, and was selected to attend the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA. He was recognized for his leadership by being awarded the Distinguished Service Award of the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Freeman moved to San Francisco, CA, as the Director of the Western Region for the food and nutrition programs until he returned to the DC area where he retired from civil service. Later he and Helen moved to Wilmington, NC to enjoy retirement together. Neill (lovingly referred to as "Neilly" by his wife Helen) was a quiet inspiration to many for his kindness and gentle nature. He was rarely agitated and remained calm under any stressful situation. He loved being with people and meeting people. He treated all people with dignity and was especially respected by those who worked for him over the years. He was an avid N.C.State fan and loved watching Wolfpack games on television. When he was a Sunday School teacher in his younger years, he was fondly referred to as "Mr. Rogers" by the children in his classes. But mostly, he loved being with his family on Holidays and during summer vacations at Wrightsville Beach. Although Neill endured many challenging health issues late in his life, he faced them all with optimism, strength, and grace. He was a true gentleman who was loved and admired by all who had the honor of knowing him. Survivors include Neill Freeman and wife Nita of Tucson, AZ, Julia Knorr of Wilmington, NC, John Freeman and wife Nancy of Darien, CT, and James Freeman and wife Davia of Charlotte, NC. He has nine grand children and six great grand children. Neill is also survived by two sisters Irene Brewer and Ramona Kivett of Star, NC. The family will receive guests on Thursday, September 1, from 6-8 PM at Andrews Mortuary at 1617 Market Street. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 2 , at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church, 411 Market Street, with entombment to follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
Neill Willis Freeman, Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 28, 2011, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Helen Yelverton Freeman, the love of his life for 68 years. Mr. Freeman was born on March 25, 1919, in Mt. Gilead, NC, and raised in Star, NC. He attended Appalachian State Teacher's College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina State University in 1940. Following graduation, he served in the United States Navy. After leaving the navy, Mr. Freeman moved to Florida where he taught high school and subsequently worked for the U.S. Veterans Administration. He later joined the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. From there his service led him to Washington, DC, where he led Federal programs to provide food and nutrition to the poor and needy, including the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, and was selected to attend the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA. He was recognized for his leadership by being awarded the Distinguished Service Award of the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Freeman moved to San Francisco, CA, as the Director of the Western Region for the food and nutrition programs until he returned to the DC area where he retired from civil service. Later he and Helen moved to Wilmington, NC to enjoy retirement together. Neill (lovingly referred to as "Neilly" by his wife Helen) was a quiet inspiration to many for his kindness and gentle nature. He was rarely agitated and remained calm under any stressful situation. He loved being with people and meeting people. He treated all people with dignity and was especially respected by those who worked for him over the years. He was an avid N.C.State fan and loved watching Wolfpack games on television. When he was a Sunday School teacher in his younger years, he was fondly referred to as "Mr. Rogers" by the children in his classes. But mostly, he loved being with his family on Holidays and during summer vacations at Wrightsville Beach. Although Neill endured many challenging health issues late in his life, he faced them all with optimism, strength, and grace. He was a true gentleman who was loved and admired by all who had the honor of knowing him. Survivors include Neill Freeman and wife Nita of Tucson, AZ, Julia Knorr of Wilmington, NC, John Freeman and wife Nancy of Darien, CT, and James Freeman and wife Davia of Charlotte, NC. He has nine grand children and six great grand children. Neill is also survived by two sisters Irene Brewer and Ramona Kivett of Star, NC. The family will receive guests on Thursday, September 1, from 6-8 PM at Andrews Mortuary at 1617 Market Street. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 2 , at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church, 411 Market Street, with entombment to follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.