Jerald Wayne Freeman

Jerald Wayne Freeman, Sr., who recently celebrated his 98th birthday, a WWII veteran and founder of Freeman Automobile Group, passed away peacefully at his home on May 30, 2021. Jerald and his twin brother, Harold Dayne Freeman, were born to parents Benjamin Franklin and Elsie Edwards Freeman in Durant, Oklahoma, on March 9, 1923. He will be laid to rest in a private mausoleum at a memorial cemetery in Cumby, Texas.

Jerry was a modest man with a big heart and touched many lives with his humility, generosity and humor. He grew up in a two-bedroom home with no electricity or indoor plumbing, with five brothers and sisters, where his father was a sharecropper in Oklahoma. In 1940, just out of high school, Jerry had a deferment from the Army to help his father on the farm, but volunteered to take his twin brother’s place, who was married and expecting his first child.

Under the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), Jerald was enrolled at the University of Kentucky. Unfortunately, the war in Europe became so intense, the program was cancelled, and he was sent to Fort Campbell, KY, to train for combat with the 14th Armored Division in France and Germany and the Battle of the Bulge. His 125th division became known as “The Liberators” as they released prisoners from camps at Mooseberg and other prisons. Jerry thought it was a privilege to serve his country and was proud to do so!

When he returned from his army service, he had saved all his earnings and the first thing he did was to purchase a home for his mother and dad that had both electricity and indoor plumbing. He then married his high school sweetheart, Wyndol, and moved to Denison, TX, and took a job selling cars. In 1951, Jerry and Wyndol had the opportunity to buy part of a dealership in Garland, TX, which he eventually bought his partner out, which represented the acquisition of his first dealership. Over time, Jerry continued to be successful in the car business and was known by all of his friends, family and employees as “Big Daddy”. He was dearly loved within the industry and always excited to go to his dealerships on Saturdays and visit with his customers. One of the many accomplishments for Freeman was the recognition he received as a top Oldsmobile dealer across the states, achieving many awards including extensive travels to countries across the world. He also was a recognized activist with National Dealers Association (NADA). Over the years, with the help of his family, the dealerships continued to grow and expand within the metro area, as well as New Mexico.

In 1969, Jerry was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of the Inwood National Bank. ln 1986, Jerry was offered the opportunity to purchase the controlling interest in Inwood National Bank. Over the years, Jerry thoroughly enjoyed his involvement in the banking industry, whether simply a board meeting or interfacing with bank leadership, he was always proud and excited to be a part of the Inwood family.

In later years, as Jerry stepped away from the automobile industry, he, along with his wife Frances, became an avid art collector/dealer of western and late impressionistic art. He was known and highly respected from coast to coast as an art entrepreneur. Jerry’s instinctive horse tradin’ ability served him well, not only in the car business, but also in the art industry. In business and private life, Jerry was driven by a powerful sense of enthusiasm and love for life. A consummate storyteller, he and Frances enjoyed summers and holidays at their home in Santa Fe. Known for its distinctive arts and cultural experiences, the city and the house were the perfect backdrop for mixing business and pleasure with his friends, family and business associates.

Jerald Wayne Freeman, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved youngest son, James Monroe, age 52; all five siblings: Harold Dayne, Frank Benjamin, Eunice Graham, Gussie Brown, Betty Sutton along with his former wife, Wyndol Freeman Damron. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frances Smith Freeman, and son, Jerry, Jr. (wife, Allison), Grandchildren: Joshua James (wife, Laura), Jacob Monroe (wife, Jessica), Jerald Wayne Freeman, III (Trey), Taylor McKenzie, James Michael and Reilly Wren. Great-grandchildren: Emerson Michelle, Joshua James Jr., George Wayne, Eason Monroe, Gracie Bartlett and Fallon Hope Freeman and 10 nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their gratefulness to Dan Bartlett, who was Jerry’s home companion for 2½ years, followed by his faithful caregivers under the guidance of James Coffey: Tony Hughes, Corbin Brunkshaw, Sydney Gambrell, Sasha Villereal, Davolyn Melton, Tammy Williams, Jessica Neal and Teresa. Each one considered him a great inspiration to their lives.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at his church, Park Cities Baptist Church, on Friday, June 4th, at 1:00p.m. Memorials may be made to Texas Health Resources Foundation, P.O. Box 200038, Arlington, TX, 76006 or U.T. Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390.