Clayton Junior Freeland

He was born May 18, 1940, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Frank Sharpe and Maggie Jane Sowers Freeland. He attended Troutman High School, worked with Carbi Services for ten years, and then was an owner/operator truck driver, spending the last 25 years of his career with Mail Contractors of Arkansas. Clayton was an extremely hard worker. Not only did he drive a truck full time, but he worked hard to maintain his family’s 80-acre farm. Throughout his life, he was very passionate about bluegrass music. He played numerous instruments and enjoyed jamming with his bluegrass buddies. After retirement, he continued to work around the farm. He also enjoyed his time with his beloved wife, Brenda. They travelled locally together and enjoyed their trips to the beach and mountains. Clayton loved his family and was always there to help. He developed many endearing friendships throughout his lifetime. Not only did he have many friends, he also had an abundance of extended sons and daughters. Clayton held a special place in many hearts, family and friends alike. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Brenda Graham Freeland, whom he married on September 23, 1961; three daughters, Pamela Ann Freeland of Winston-Salem, Teresa Freeland Laws of Troutman, and Julie Freeland (Derek) Winters of Statesville; a son, Darian Linn (Shannon) Freeland of Statesville; a sister, Sara Katherine Freeland (the late Kenneth) Swicegood of Statesville; nine grandchildren, Wesley, Christopher and Elizabeth Laws, Davey, Madison and Elijah Winters, Austin, Joshua and Abby Freeland; a great-grandson, Jaxon Larson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service celebrating Clayton’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church with the Rev. Greg Dickens officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens.

Robert Bailey, Tim Warren, Roy Swicegood, Jim Hostetter, Mike Ketchie, Carroll “Moose” Hiatt, Larry Cox and Tim Smith will serve as pallbearers. Carl Bailey, Zachary Bailey, Red Hiatt, Frank Hager, Robert Quesenberry and Darrell Robinette will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 109 Chapel Hill Lane, Statesville, NC 28677.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.