Mr. John Benson Freeman

He was born October 28, 1924, a son of the late Mr. Dock John Freeman and the late Mrs. Ethel Whitley Freeman. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife: Dollie Bernice Stallings Freeman; one son: Gary Wayne Freeman; two birth sisters: Jean Freeman Price and Velma Freeman Burke; one step brother: Daniel Freeman; one niece: Mary Ann Burke Gowens; one uncle: William Whitley; one aunt: Helen Whitley; one sister: Evelyn Whitley Hargett.

Mr. Freeman was raised by his Uncle William and Aunt Helen Garmon Whitley since age 6. He was considered their son along with their own birth children and continued to live with them after returning from World War II until he married.

He was an original member of Friendship Masonic Lodge and a current member of the Charles M. Setzer Lodge. He was also a member of the Oasis Shrine Temple and the Oasis Red Fez Shrine Club.

Mr. Freeman is survived by his wife: Jean Catoe Freeman; one son: John Eric Freeman; Step son: Roger L. Burgess; one step daughter: April J. Burgess; three brothers: William Whitley, Jr., Paul E. Whitley and wife Vivian, Johnny L. Whitley and wife Brenda, all of Harrisburg, NC; three sisters: Margie Whitley Blackwelder of Harrisburg, NC, Nonia Whitley Polk and husband Jimmy of Mint Hill, NC, Linda Whitley Arrington of Concord, NC; two step brothers: Edwin Freeman and wife Ruth and David Freeman both of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren: John Eric Freeman, Jr., Erica Freeman, Jenny Freeman; one step granddaughter: Sarah Anne Burgess who was “the joy of his life”; six great grandchildren. He is also survived by a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly from the Freeman and Whitley families, as well as other friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives for visitation Monday January 13, 2014 from 11:00 AM until 12:45 PM at McEwen Funeral Home in Monroe.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Freeman will begin at 1:00 PM in the McEwen Colonial Chapel, conducted by Rev. Dr. Scott Simpson and Rev. Dr. Patti Simpson, with burial to follow with full military honors in the Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, NC.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to The Shriners Hospitals for Children-Greenville, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. Phone: 864-271-3444.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcewenmonroechapel.com

McEwen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Freeman.