Obituary for Robert Freeman
Reverend Robert Freeman, affectionately known as “Bob”, slept away into eternal rest on May 3, 2023. He fought a courageous fight against cancer for 6 years, but now he has gained his heavenly wings!
He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Rev. Martin H. Ribbins of Second Missionary Baptist Church.
Robert was a proud graduate of Riverside High School, class of 1971. He was an active student who excelled in his studies and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his peers. In addition, he was Senior Class President, an active Student Council Member, and Drum Major.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University and was a proud member of the Aristocrat Marching Band and its Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He spoke fondly of his opportunities to play all over the country including the Governor’s inauguration.
He graduated in 1975 with a degree in Music Education.
In 1976 he met the love of his life, Mildred West, through a mutual friend. They were united in Holy matrimony on March 12,1977, celebrating 46 years of love, devotion, and friendship. To this blessed union two daughters were born: Robin and Tanzea.
Robert answered the call to the ministry in 1981 and served as an associate minister at Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Paul A. McDaniel.
He served faithfully as the Children’s Choir Director, Boy Scout Troop Leader, and Bible Quiz Master. He was also a member of Red Rose Club #1, the Evangelism ministry and the Male and Mass Choirs.
His first pastoral assignment was the Historic First Congregational Church in downtown Chattanooga. He served there from 1998 until the church’s closure in 2001.
Robert returned to Second Baptist until he was called to pastor Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in 2007. He faithfully served there for 14 years.
His last pastoral appointment was Born Again Christian Church where he ministered bi-weekly until his passing.
Robert was employed by American National Bank (Truist) before returning to school to receive his teaching certification.
He taught band and Chorus at East Lake Middle, Brown Middle and Ivy Academy in Soddy Daisy. He formally retired from the Chattanooga School System in 2012, but continued to teach twice a week at “Expression Engine” until their culminating concert last month.
Robert also enjoyed being active as a community musician where he participated in the Chattanooga Gospel Orchestra, The Chattanooga Community Orchestra and The Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Moses and Essie Bell Burton Freeman and brothers, Howard and Charles Freeman.
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving devoted wife, Mildred West Freeman; daughters, Robin of Marietta, GA and Tanzea of Kansas City, MO; brothers, Moses (Louise) & Melvin Freeman; sister, Gloria Freeman; sisters-In-law, Dorothy Sanders, Jo Ingram, Betty (Gale) Chambers; aunt, Mattie Burton, Americus, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,
and other relatives and friends; his spiritual mother, Mrs. Evelyn Shropshire. He also leaves behind countless friends in the Ministry
Robert's favorite scripture was
Philippians 4:13
“I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday, May 10, 2023,
at Second Missionary Baptist Church.
A 12:00 PM funeral service will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 2305 East Third Street.
Interment will be held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hwy-153 North.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.
He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Rev. Martin H. Ribbins of Second Missionary Baptist Church.
Robert was a proud graduate of Riverside High School, class of 1971. He was an active student who excelled in his studies and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his peers. In addition, he was Senior Class President, an active Student Council Member, and Drum Major.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University and was a proud member of the Aristocrat Marching Band and its Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He spoke fondly of his opportunities to play all over the country including the Governor’s inauguration.
He graduated in 1975 with a degree in Music Education.
In 1976 he met the love of his life, Mildred West, through a mutual friend. They were united in Holy matrimony on March 12,1977, celebrating 46 years of love, devotion, and friendship. To this blessed union two daughters were born: Robin and Tanzea.
Robert answered the call to the ministry in 1981 and served as an associate minister at Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Paul A. McDaniel.
He served faithfully as the Children’s Choir Director, Boy Scout Troop Leader, and Bible Quiz Master. He was also a member of Red Rose Club #1, the Evangelism ministry and the Male and Mass Choirs.
His first pastoral assignment was the Historic First Congregational Church in downtown Chattanooga. He served there from 1998 until the church’s closure in 2001.
Robert returned to Second Baptist until he was called to pastor Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in 2007. He faithfully served there for 14 years.
His last pastoral appointment was Born Again Christian Church where he ministered bi-weekly until his passing.
Robert was employed by American National Bank (Truist) before returning to school to receive his teaching certification.
He taught band and Chorus at East Lake Middle, Brown Middle and Ivy Academy in Soddy Daisy. He formally retired from the Chattanooga School System in 2012, but continued to teach twice a week at “Expression Engine” until their culminating concert last month.
Robert also enjoyed being active as a community musician where he participated in the Chattanooga Gospel Orchestra, The Chattanooga Community Orchestra and The Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Moses and Essie Bell Burton Freeman and brothers, Howard and Charles Freeman.
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving devoted wife, Mildred West Freeman; daughters, Robin of Marietta, GA and Tanzea of Kansas City, MO; brothers, Moses (Louise) & Melvin Freeman; sister, Gloria Freeman; sisters-In-law, Dorothy Sanders, Jo Ingram, Betty (Gale) Chambers; aunt, Mattie Burton, Americus, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,
and other relatives and friends; his spiritual mother, Mrs. Evelyn Shropshire. He also leaves behind countless friends in the Ministry
Robert's favorite scripture was
Philippians 4:13
“I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday, May 10, 2023,
at Second Missionary Baptist Church.
A 12:00 PM funeral service will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 2305 East Third Street.
Interment will be held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hwy-153 North.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.