Ralph Freeman, Jr. age 99, of Hoschton passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Mr. Freeman was born March 7, 1916 in Hoschton, Jackson County, GA. He was the son of Ralph Freeman, MD and Bertha Naomi Hosch Freeman. Ralph, Jr. married Grace Margenice Evans on August 4, 1939. Ralph, Jr. grew up in Hoschton, GA, the town founded by his grandfather and grand-uncles. After attending school in Hoschton, Ralph graduated from Tech High, Atlanta, GA in 1933 and later attended Georgia Institute of Technology as well as North Georgia College. Three days before his twenty-third birthday he was elected Mayor of Hoschton and served as councilman several times over the years. He was appointed by the Hoschton City Council to the Historic Commission. He served as Chairman of the Jackson Co. Agricultural Committee and the Jackson County Historical Society and was past president of that society. Ralph has been a member of Gwinnett Historical Society, Northeast Georgia Historical Society and Piedmont Regional Genealogical Society. He was on the Jackson County Bi-Centennial Committee. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hoschton and served as a Deacon and was an active member at The Church of Hoschton. As a member of Rockwell Masonic Lodge #191, Hoschton, GA, among his positions he served as Worshipful Master. Ralph worked for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service planning the land cover to keep the land from eroding for what later became Ft. Yargo State Park in Barrow County, GA. He produced farm crops for the military during World War II. He was an organizer for Farm Bureau in Jackson County. He had a mattress ticking business to make mattress ticking for the government during World War II. He chartered the Hoschton Boy Scout Troop 33 and was Grand Marshall at the Hoschton Fall Festival. In 1951 he settled his family in Tucker, GA where they remained until 1974 when Ralph and Grace moved back to Hoschton into the house where Ralph was born. Over the years, Ralph had a variety of occupations. He was a farmer, mechanic, salesman, truck owner/operator and service station owner/operator. Ralph used his mechanical and creative skills in designing and making parts for textile machines. He owned a packaging business with his wife, Grace. Grace was always a loving and valuable partner in business and life. Words of wisdom from Ralph have been treasured by all who knew him. His devotion to family and community define his life. His optimistic view of life has given strength to others. Mr. Freeman was survived by his daughters Jo Nan Freeman Warwick and late husband William Adrian Warwick, Jr., Patricia Freeman Hardin and husband William Clark Hardin, Jr.; son-in-law Robert Furlong and wife Mary; grandchildren Charles “Chuck” Robert Furlong and wife Jessica, Connie Furlong Decker and husband Andrew, William Todd Hardin and wife Michelle, Steven Clark Hardin and wife Jennifer; 8 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Samuel Hosch Freeman and one great granddaughter Roseanne Hardin. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Lawson Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Cory Sexton and Rev. Luis Ortiz will be officiating. Interment will be held following with Masonic services at the Hoschton City Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday, July 10, 2015 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Church of Hoschton Building Fund or the Masonic Lodge #191. Funeral arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.
Pat, I’m thinking of all the wonderful things you’ve told me about your Dad. I know you loved him so much and will miss him a lot. He had such a fruitful and long life and was loved by so many people. I’ll be thinking of all of you this week.
Ralph played a big part in my life as a girl and teenager, all the days spent with JoNan and the slumber parties with JoNan, JoHelen, Linda and Gloria. He always made it a point to call me into the kitchen to watch him eat a raw oyster because he knew it grossed me out. He was a good man who always made me feel welcome in his home. I have many fond memories of him any will miss him greately. I pray that God will give you peace and comfort during tne difficult days ahead. Ralph is at peace now.