With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph William Freeman, Jr, a devoted husband, loving father, an endearing papa and a cherished member of the community, who passed away on February 28, 2025, at the age of 77. Known for his loyalty, unwavering kindness, and humble personality, Joe leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will forever inspire his family and friends. He was a pillar of his family, always there to lend a helping hand or listening ear and he instilled in his daughter and grandsons the values of hard work, compassion and resilience.
Joe was born on January 4th, 1948, in Reidsville, NC, the oldest child of Joseph and Wilma Freeman who preceded him in death. He grew up in Stokes County, graduating from North Stokes High School in 1966. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Master’s of Education in Physics.
Education was a very important part of Joe’s life and educating young minds became one of his lifelong passions. Joe started his career as a teacher at North Stokes High School in 1970 where he later taught at Stoneville High School and then retired from McMichael High School. After retirement, he returned to North Stokes High School for a brief amount of time until he was blessed with the most important job he would ever have, becoming a Grandpa. Joe was also known for his musical talents. He started playing the Dobro at a young age with his daddy and through the years played with multiple talented musicians of which he admired. His Dobro music will forever be remembered and resonate in our hearts. Joe was also a lifelong farmer. He was deeply rooted in the family land he cherished and loved so much. On any given day, you could find him on his tractor, in the hay field, feeding his cows or just working the farm. It wasn’t a job for him; it was a way of life that was instilled in him by his daddy many years ago. When he wasn’t farming, you could find him on the sidelines of the soccer field, the football field or on the bleachers at a basketball game supporting the greatest blessings of his life, his grandsons, Alex and Ashton.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his two sisters Kathy Amos-Minor and Sarah Lynn Freeman and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hassell and Gladys Bennett.
Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Mandy Bennett Freeman; daughter, Samantha Freeman-Brown (Scott); grandchildren, Alex Brown and Ashton Brown; step-grandchildren, Lindsay Brown and Jonathan Brown; brother, Darrell Freeman (Michelle); brothers-in-law, Dicky Minor and Gray Bennett (Joyce); sister-in-law, Amy Morrison (Tony); nieces, Tiffany Gann, Heather Bowling (Kevin) and Shannon Bennett; nephews, Derek Freeman (Savannah) and Jason Minor (Samantha); and his faithful companion, Nova.
Family will receive friends between 6-8pm on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, at Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel. A Funeral Service will be held at 2pm Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Freeman Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends all other times at the home of Scott and Samantha Brown.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Stokes High School Athletic Department (1350 N Stokes School Rd, Danbury, NC 27016) in honor of his grandsons, Alex and Ashton.
Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel in Sandy Ridge is serving the family.
Online condolences may be offered at www.colonialfh.net.
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