Joseph Freeman, Jr.

Canton – Joseph Loly Freeman, Jr. 84, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at his residence.

Joe was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County and a son of the late Joseph Loly Freeman, Sr. and Ava Mae Saunders Freeman.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jimmie Mann.  Joe was a member of Plains United Methodist Church for 56 years where he sang in the choir and held a trustee chair.  He was also active in the church’s community fish fries.  Joe was a United States Navy veteran, having served from 1954 until 1956 and retired from Champion International in 1994 with 36 years of service.  Joe enjoyed fly fishing in the mountain streams and crafting picture frames in his workshop.  His greatest calling was that of a caretaker for his beloved wife and best friend, Nancy.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy Brown Freeman; one daughter, Karen Bowman and husband, Pat of Canton; a son, Joseph Michael Freeman of Truckee, California; and one grandchild, Hunter Bowman.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Plains United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Reverend Clay Morgan and Reverend Zach Christy officiating.

Due to Covid-19, masks and social distancing will be observed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Plains United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 1250 Willis Cove Road, Canton, NC  28716.

The care of Mr. Freeman has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com