Mr. Fred William Freeman went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the presence of his family and friends on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. He was born Nov. 12, 1919, in Fountain, Fla., to Walter and Eliza Freeman. His Florida roots go back to his great-grandfather, Friend Freeman, a Florida pioneer, who voted in Florida's first election in 1845. Fred grew up in Bay County and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) when he was 17. While on assignment in Crestview, he met the love of his life, Beulah Holmes. They were married Sept. 3, 1939, and moved back to Bay County, Fla. He enlisted in the Navy and served honorably during World War II in the North Atlantic, Europe and the Aleutian Islands. He was part of what would be known as "The Greatest Generation." When he returned home, he moved his family to their home place in Hiland Park, Fla., where they have resided for the past 63 years. At this location, they hosted an annual Easter dinner and Easter egg hunt for their friends for 50 years. He had a long career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His work included river and harbor projects in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana, but mostly along the Intracoastal Waterway and the jetties of St. Andrews State Park. He retired in 1975 after 36½ years of service. Fred was a member of First Assembly of God Church. He dearly loved his family, his church, his music and socializing with his many friends. He never had an enemy, and enjoyed talking with everyone he met. In addition to his travels in Europe with the U.S. Navy, he traveled with his family to Alaska, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Jamaica, Curacao and much of the mainland U.S. He thoroughly enjoyed fellowship with his church buddies on mission trips to build churches in Colombia, Panama and Argentina. Fred was predeceased by his parents; a granddaughter, Anita Darlene Freeman; a sister, Mozelle Martin; and a brother, Douglas Freeman. Survivors include his beloved wife of 68 years, Beulah; two sons, Elzie and wife, Brenda, and Danny and wife, Elaine; as well as his daughter, Pamela Wood and husband, Jerry, all of Panama City. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Edward Freeman of Sarasota, Fla., April Freeman Rice and husband, Brandon, of Richmond, Va., Jeremy Wood and wife, Stephanie, of Panama City and Brian Freeman of Panama City; as well as two brothers, Mitchell and Buford Freeman of Panama City. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends to cherish the memories. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Fred lived a life of constant gratitude, so from Fred and the family, we say "Thank you very much" to his wonderful caregivers, Peggy Uhl, Carmon McIntyre and Cheryl Bromley, who went above and beyond ordinary duty to give Fred remarkable care in his last two years. Special thanks to Betty and Doug Pitts as well as the other relatives, pastors and friends who visited, brought food and gave so much of themselves to keep him comfortable and happy. Our sincere gratitude to Dr. Rush Akin, Dr. Anthony Evans and Dr. Kamel Elzawahry for many years of expert medical care. Special thanks also to Hospice of the Emerald Coast for its compassionate care. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at First Assembly of God Church, 1701 N. East Ave., with the Rev. Phil Edwards officiating. Asked to serve as active pallbearers are Edward Freeman, Jeremy Wood, Brian Freeman, Doug Pitts, Tommy Martin and Ron Perkins. Honorary pallbearers include all retired employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Panama City site office, who served with Fred. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.kentforestlawn.com. Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home 2403 Harrison Ave. Panama City, Fla. 32405 (850) 763-4694