Thomas Edward "Ed" Freeman, Jr.

Thomas Edward “Ed” Freeman, Jr., 86, of Durham, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Born on September 22, 1939, to the late Thomas Edward Freeman, Sr. and Ruth Mathis Freeman, Ed was a devoted family man whose quiet strength and steady presence touched everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Callie Freeman; his brother, Mike Freeman; and his sister, Sandra Dixon.

A longtime member of Fletcher’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Ed proudly served four years in the United States Navy as an auto mechanic. After his honorable discharge, he continued his career as a mechanic with Verizon, where he worked for 45 years before retiring. Those who knew him remember a man who took genuine pride in his work and found simple joy in building model airplanes.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Judy Freeman; his daughter, Bonnie Wilkins; granddaughters, Angela and Carla Dennis; and great-grandchildren, Trevor, Nathan, and Falynn Dennis. Through his long life, Ed remained a steadfast and loving presence for his family, leaving behind a legacy of quiet dedication and deep affection.