Dewey E. Freeman

Dewey E. Freeman, 94, of Pine Bluff died February 23, 2014. Dewey was born March 28, 1919, one of seven children, to James E. and Emma Pounders Freeman in Tyro, Arkansas. He was raised and received his early education in Dumas. He graduated in the 1939 class from Dumas High School, where he was a captain of the football team. Dewey married Ollie Bobbitt on September 30, 1940, and they settled in Pine Bluff to raise their family. There he began a career with the Cotton Belt Railroad that spanned 40 years until his retirement in 1980. Dewey served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater as part of the 716th Railroad Operating Battalion. He took great pride in his service and his accomplishments during that time. Dewey was a life-long Methodist and member of Carr Memorial United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff for over 67 years. He served the Lord in many ways at Carr including raising his voice as a member of the Chancel Choir. In his later years, he became a member of Lakeside United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff. He touched the lives of many young men in Pine Bluff through his mentoring and coaching of the First Ward-Broadmoor Demons football and basketball teams for 25 years. His Demons claimed several city championships over the years, and he loved to be called "Coach Freeman" by his former players. Dewey was a 50 year member of Jacob Brump Lodge, F&AM and Union Chapter of Eastern Star where was as a past Patron. Dewey is predeceased by his wife, Ollie; a daughter, Phyllis Carole Freeman; and five of his siblings. He is survived by his brother, E.C. Freeman (Phyllis) of Dumas. He leaves a loving family to cherish his memory: daughter, Kay Stone (John) and sons, Dewey Edward Freeman (Catherine), and George Freeman (Korena), all of Little Rock; eight grandchildren: Sharon Ritchie (Samuel), John Stone Jr. (Jodie), Susanne Stone, Jennifer Willeford (Stephen), Brice Freeman (Leslie), Meredith Miller (Mark), Ryan Freeman, Nathan Freeman; and five great-grandchildren. Services are Thursday, February 27, 1:30 p.m., Ralph Robinson & Son Chapel. Interment follows in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Robinson's. Memorials requested to the donor's favorite charity. Online register: ralphrobinsonandson.com.