Charles M. Freeman, Sr

Charles Marvin Freeman, Sr., 76, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Graveside funeral services will be held Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Ben Hill County, GA. Rev. Greg Carroll will officiate. The family will receive friends Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Mathews Funeral Home.

Born on January 30, 1949, in Albany, Georgia, Charles lived a life defined by service, integrity, craftsmanship, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith. In 2020, he moved to Valdosta, Georgia, to be near his son and grandchildren—a chapter that brought him tremendous joy. Charles was a proud graduate of Albany High School (Class of 1968) and continued his education at Albany Junior College and The College of William & Mary. He honorably served his country in the United States Army, a commitment that shaped his lifelong dedication to serving others.

Charles married the love of his life, Teresa Taylor Freeman, and together they built a family grounded in loyalty, faith, and deep affection. He is survived by his wife, Teresa; his daughter, Merrill Freeman; and his son, Charles Marvin Freeman, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Katherine Freeman, and their three sons, Charles Freeman III, Henry Freeman, and Sam Freeman. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Freeman Yarbrough, and her husband, Paul Yarbrough; his sister-in-law, Susan Bowen; and his nephew, Levi Bowen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ermine Bridges Freeman and Lawrence Marvin Freeman.

A Life of Service Charles lived a life of remarkable community service and leadership. He was a devoted lifetime member of Byne Memorial Baptist Church and served in numerous civic and emergency service roles. His commitment to emergency response and community welfare spanned decades, including: • Chapter Chairman, Terrell County Red Cross (1973–1982) • Board Member, Terrell/Dougherty County CODAC Drug Center (1976–1979) • Volunteer Chief, Terrell County Fire & Rescue (1971–1984) • Coroner, Terrell County (1977–1981) • Director of Disaster Relief, Mallary Baptist Association (1981–2001) • Member, Georgia Advisory Council for the American Red Cross (1981–1983) • Member, Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Georgia Task Force (1981–1988) • Constable, Terrell County (1981–1992) Charles was honored as the **Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award recipient in 2007**, a recognition that reflected his lifelong commitment to serving others with humility, compassion, and steadfast dedication.

Charles recognized early the critical need for mobile disaster relief and designed and built the first mobile shower trailer for use in crisis areas. He ultimately built more than 150 shower trailers, along with water purification units, restroom trailers, and ice trailers deployed nationwide and internationally. His equipment supported churches, agencies, mission efforts, and even major national events, including the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics. Charles also served faithfully with Samaritan’s Purse, responding to major disasters including Hurricane Katrina, the California wildfires, and numerous crises across the United States. His dedication earned him the trusted role of “Point Man” for disaster relief efforts across Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Charles to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607.