Billy Ray Freeman Sr.

Published 6:05 am Sunday, March 17, 2013

FREEMAN

Billy Ray Freeman Sr., 79, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013, at his home in Varnado. He went to meet Jesus surrounded by his wife, children and other loved ones. He will be very much missed.

He was born on April 30, 1933. He was a great person, very humble and gentle, and never raised his voice to anyone. Everyone loved him and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

He joined the Army at an early age and served in Germany. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Janice Fornea Freeman. He retired from the box factory in Bogalusa after 36 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Billy Ray Jr. (Beverly) Freeman; three daughters, Mona Magee, Linda (Mike) Thomas and Gladys (Tim) Dillon, all of Varnado; five grandchildren, Janet Thomas, Ashley Thomas, Jenna Freeman, Kevin Magee and Jacob Freeman; three great-grandchildren, Justine Thomas, Kameron Thomas and Destinee Thomas; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Carl Jr. (Patsy) Fornea, George (Jessie) Jones and Ben (Bert) Hartzog, all of Varnado; one sister, Virginia Drabinsky of Boyertown, Pa.; and nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by a very special son-in-law, Dennis Magee; two grandchildren, Michael Ray Thomas and Denny Ray Magee; three brothers and sister-in-law, Wilmon Shane (Margarette) Freeman, T.J. (Louise) Freeman and T.M. Freeman; two sisters, Grace (Clifford) Martin and Lorena Wascom; his parents, Tom and Julie Freeman; brothers-in-law, Bob Drabinsky and Gene Thomas; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Gladys Fornea.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 17 at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home from 5-10 p.m., and will continue on Monday from 8 a.m. until time for the funeral service in the chapel at 3 p.m., with Bro. Travis Houston and Bro. David Diamond officiating. Burial will follow in the Freeman Family Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Magic City Post 24.

Pallbearers are Jason Fornea, Benji Hartzog, Tom Freeman, Cody Spears, Rusty Freeman and Tim Freeman. Honorary pallbearers are Carl Freeman Jr., Ben Hartzog, George Jones, Wayne Freeman, Will Freeman, Slick Seals and Vernon Smith.

Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www. brownmcgehee.com.