Sergeant First Class, Brian Keith Freeman was born on January 17, 1981 in Ohio to the late Bernice Lee Freeman. Brian grew up in Newark, Ohio, graduating from Newark High School in 1999. Brian enlisted in the army at 17 years old and served for 20 years having completed multiple tours including Iraq (4/2003-10/2003, 7/2009-4/2010) and Afghanistan (2/2012-7/2012). Brian found his passion by serving as a Special Forces Medic for 12 years. Brian was awarded multiple awards during his time in the Army including the Bronze Star Medal. After retiring from the Army, Brian finished his bachelor’s degree and most recently worked at UNC Healthcare as a Business and Quality Improvement leader. In his free time, Brian enjoyed grilling on his Big Green Egg, spending time with his family, and catching up with friends. Brian always knew how to put a smile on everyone’s face and he never met a stranger.
Brian is survived by his wife, Jennifer Freeman; daughters, Jaiden and Emery; son, Logan, and bonus children, Ethan and Emily; sister, Autumn Chaffin (Asa); sister-in-law, Laura Jones (Marshall); brother-in-law, Wesley Watkins; mother-in-law, Sandra Watkins (Dan); niece, Kaelyn; nephew, Caleb (Jasmine); great nephews, Isaiah and Ayden; and great nieces, Noa and Veronica.
A memorial service with Military Honors for Brian will be held Friday July 21, 2023 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams St., Apex, NC. Officiating will be Rev. Larry Fife. The service will be livestreamed, the link is below, inside the services information box.
Memorials in Brian's name may be made to the Duke Cancer Institute, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.
If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Brian, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.
