John W. Freeman

John W. Freeman, 80, of Irmo passed away on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. John was born November 2nd, 1943, in Columbia, SC and was the son of the late Johnny and Eunice Freeman. He graduated from Eau Claire High School and the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting in June 1966. John worked as night watchman at B & W Lumber Co. to pay for college. He then worked at Uniroyal (Michelin, Goodrich) in Winnsboro as an accountant. He retired after 39 years.

Throughout his years, John enjoyed various hobbies, such as reading, bowling, woodworking, jigsaw puzzles, sewing/crocheting, and watching sports with Kathy.

John was a quiet, gentle man who was quick to help others in need, but when asked if he needed help with anything, his ready answer was “no.”

John and Kathy met at a little league baseball game, where both had brothers playing. Kathy’s brother hit a homerun, and John got the ball and gave it to Kathy. After a 6 year courtship, they married on August 4th, 1967.

John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Katherine Newton Freeman; sisters Georgia Ward, Carolyn Richardson (Bobby), Denna Howell (Jim); brother-in-law Sonny Newton (Jenny), many nieces, nephews, great nephews, great nieces, cousins, and an aunt.

John is preceded in death by his brothers, Fred “Ashley” Freeman and Randolph “Laverne” Freeman, many uncles, and aunts.

Funeral service for John will be held at 1:30 pm Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 at Salem United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 12:30 pm. Dunbar Funeral Home Dutch Fork Chapel is assisting the family. A livestream will be available through Salem UMC’s Facebook page. A private family burial will follow the service at Celestial Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem UMC Building Fund, 1321 Salem Church Rd., Irmo, SC 29063 or a charity of one’s choice.