Charles Willie Freeman

Charles Willie Freeman, age 90, of Asheville, NC, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital on Saturday, October 18, 2025—just two days shy of his 91st birthday.

Born on October 20, 1934, in Lamar County, Alabama, Charles was the son of the late Jonnie and Elma McNees Freeman. A lifelong servant of others, he dedicated four years to the United States Air Force and three years to the United States Army. Following his military service, Charles continued his life of service through ministry, faithfully leading congregations in Rapid City, SD; Lexington, VA; Asheville, NC; and Waynesville, NC.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Lynne Capps Freeman; sons Chuck Freeman of Flat Rock, NC, and Chip Freeman (Jade) of Asheville, NC; daughters Chari Price (Rod) of Arden, NC, Cathy Tidwell (Dennis) of Conroe, TX, Cynthia Burnette (Mike) of Etowah, NC, Connie McElrath (Bill) of Mill Spring, NC, and Cheri Jo Freeman of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Turner (Charles) of Amory, MS, and Carrie Mae Wall of Birmingham, AL.

Charles was a proud grandfather to Scott Burnette (Samantha), Andrew Burnett (Julie), Patrick Freeman, Willie Freeman, Aniston Freeman, Taylor Miller (Josh), Payton McElrath, Blake Price (Shae), Austin Price (Juli), Alexa Baldwin (Michael), Nikki Elders (Greg), and Kyle Davis, and a great-grandfather to 18 cherished great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Biltmore Church of Christ. A private burial will take place at a later date at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Charles’s memory to York University, 1125 E 8th St., York, NE 68467.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Freeman family during this time.

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