George Freeman

Sheila and I drove to Woodstock today to attend the memorial service for our friend and former pastor George Freeman. I think George would have loved the service. 

He had asked for "Camp Meeting" songs. Warren Lathem, who is married to my first cousin Jane, sang "In the Sweet By and By" beautifully. The congregation sang "Oh, How I Love Jesus" (a great one for adding harmony) and "Oh That Will Be Glory For Me" (When have I last heard that beautiful song? It's been a while.)

George and Peggy's beautiful daughter Betsy, flanked by Trey ("for moral support," she said) gave a lovely eulogy of her father built around a bunch of "Georgisms" as she called them. She briefed recited her father's frequent saying and explained each, then closed by stringing them together as a very appropriate summary.

The sermon was delivered by David Campbell,  also our friend and former pastor, who has known George for 40 years.

Afterward the family invited everyone to the church fellowship hall where a luncheon was laid out and where the long line of George's friends could speak with Peggy, Betsy, Trey and many other family members. 

We were disappointed that Warren and Jane had to leave right after the service and we didn't get to talk with them. But we did get to talk briefly with George's family and with David Campbell, and to meet and talk with several new acquaintances including John Durham who is a pastor in Lindale and Winnie and Will Thomas who are both United Methodist pastors who knew George at Jonesboro UMC. 

I'm glad that George had time during his battle with cancer to do at least some planning for his memorial. I think he would be very pleased with how it turned out. I hope it doesn't sound inappropriate to say that,  though I am very sad to lose this good man, I enjoyed the occasion.

George came to Trinity United Methodist Church in 1995 when I was going through some tough times. I was working insane hours while losing my battle to succeed in our little business. We decided during the nineties to use our skills at desktop publishing to support the church to partially makeup for our decreased financial support. So we dealt with George every week to prepare the "Trinity Voice" our church newsletter. That and the fact that George and I were near the same age, and that I had admired his father since the 1950s and 60s when Ross Freeman had led revival meeting for my dad, made for one of the warmest relationships I have had with my pastor. 

Betsy, in her tribute to George, reiterated the request at the close of Georgia's obituary, and I am still thinking of how I will honor that. If you are one of George's friends and admirers, I hope you will also pass his love forwards in this manner: 

"In lieu of flowers or a monetary gift, we ask that you honor George’s spirit by committing a simple act of goodness or kindness towards others."

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The program for the funeral was just beautiful.

Here's a beautiful a cappella version of "Oh That Will Be Glory For Me"

How about a Willie Nelson version of "In the Sweet By and By"

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Obituary

The Reverend Dr. George Ross Freeman, Jr. beloved husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong servant of Christ, entered into eternal rest after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, October 27, 2025 at home with his family.

A native of Sandersville, Georgia, and the son of a Methodist minister, George grew up in parsonages across North Georgia and in Atlanta’s Druid Hills community. A graduate of Georgia Southern University and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, he also pursued doctoral studies in New Church Development and Stewardship. George served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam war.

George served the United Methodist Church faithfully for more than 50 years, including appointments in Auburn, East Point, Norcross, Dallas, Marietta, Rome, Atlanta, Thomson, Sandy Springs, Jonesboro, Ellenwood and Woodstock. The founding pastor of Simpsonwood United Methodist Church in Norcross, George received national recognition for his efforts in establishing a vibrant congregation, across the road from the (former) North Georgia United Methodist Conference and Retreat Center on the Chattahoochee River. Simpsonwood was named "Church of the Year in Evangelism" and completed the construction project for the main Sanctuary building while he was Senior Pastor there.

His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit—through missions, leadership development, and community service.

Throughout his career, Dr. Freeman held numerous leadership roles, including service on the UMC General Board of Discipleship and as President of the National Association of Stewardship Leaders. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International and a Fellow of the John Wesley Society.

After retiring from full-time ministry in 2017, George continued serving smaller congregations until his health required him to step back. He and his wife, Peggy, made their home in Canton, GA, which is strategically placed halfway between where their children live. He delighted in time spent with their children and six grandchildren. They remained active in their “Golden Years” because he said he searched the Scriptures and could not find the word “Retirement”. 

Known for his quick wit and happy demeanor, George’s life was defined by faith, service, and love for others. His legacy continues in the many churches he built, the pastors/people he mentored, and the lives he touched. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Peggy-Ann; son George Ross Freeman, III “Trey” and his four children (Kate Elizabeth, Madison Ann, Samantha Grace and Jackson Lee) of Blue Ridge; daughter Betsy Ann and her husband Charlie Madrerohon and their two sons (Charles “Ross” and Ben Gregory) of Marietta. Also surviving him is his sister, Joye Hancock. Predeceased by his parents Rev. Dr. G. Ross Freeman, Sr and Elizabeth “Bess” Bennett Freeman and his sister Merrie Posey.

A celebration of life service for George will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Hillside Church, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock, GA 30189. George will be laid to rest in a family service at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia at a later date

In lieu of flowers or a monetary gift, we ask that you honor George’s spirit by committing a simple act of goodness or kindness towards others.