William "Billy" Freeman

08/27/1943 - 06/16/2026

A much‑loved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, William “Billy” Freeman, 82, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 16, with his family by his side.

Born on August 27, 1943, in Opelika, Billy lived a life grounded in hard work, family, and the simple joys he cherished. He retired as a Maintenance Technician from Uniroyal Goodrich in 2006 after 35 years of dedicated service.

Billy loved taking the scenic route, gardening, farming, and spending time watching races and football. His gentle spirit, love of the outdoors, and appreciation for life’s quiet moments will be remembered by all who knew him.

Billy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon W. Freeman of Opelika; son Johnny Freeman; daughters BJ (Travis) Lowe and Felicia Johnson; grandsons Chette (Samantha) Jenkins and Cullen Dudley; granddaughters Taylor Dudley and Lilley Johnson; great-granddaughters Blakely, Meredith, Amelia, and Vivian Jenkins; and sister Caroline Howard; Brother-n-law Wendell (Katherine) Walters; Special sister-in-law Mable Dean; God‑daughters Wendy (Marcus) Davila, Sandy (Dan) Becker, and Summer (Tony) Seals; as well as many special child‑ and grandchild‑like loved ones, and numerous special nieces, nephews, and cousins that meant the world to him.

He was preceded in death by his father Lonnie Frederick Freeman and mother Laura Bernice Vinson; son Tony Freeman; brothers Wayne (Juanita) Freeman, Kelley (Margaret) Freeman, and Dennis (Sara) Freeman; sisters Lillian (Ernest) Paschal and Shirley Downs; and a special nephew “brother,” Sonny Paschal.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, June 20, at Hopewell United Methodist Church in Opelika, Alabama. Interment will follow at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends for visitation at Frederick‑Dean Funeral Home on Friday, June 19, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. CT.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the love, support, and prayers received during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hopewell United Methodist Church.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.