Granville Freeman, 87, of Morganton, NC, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Born in McMinn County, TN on May 19, 1938, he was the son of the late George Gaither Freeman and Rachel Mae Ballard Lynn.
Granville was a veteran of the US Army and a member of Zion Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and was the heart of his family. He considered coffee to be the life-blood of the nation and earned the nickname, Chicken, from his job. Mr. Freeman loved visiting Bald River Falls in Tennessee and was the best father anyone could ask for.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Lorie Freeman Auton (Henry) and Kim Freeman Oliver (Brian); grandchildren, Erica Auton Pezzullo (Joe), Tyler Auton (Kristel), Michala Wheeler (Austin), and Matthew Price (Cheyenne); great-grandchildren, Ryan and Harper Price (and their mother, Crystal Brock), Baby Pezzullo, and Baby Price; step-grandchildren, Jaxson Wheeler, Ezra Wheeler, Krisma Auton, and Catie Auton; the son he never had, Kenny Price; niece, Shari Gaston; and numerous extended family.
In addition to his parents, Granville was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Naomi Whisenant Freeman; grandson, Jason Scott Loven; and brother, Edward Freeman.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Zion Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the church with Rev. Keith Rose and Rev. Stephen Collins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I am sorry for your loss. But, I just wanted to say that Mr. Granville was the kindness man. He would come in Dollar Tree Store, that's were I worked, and talk with me. He didn't have to say a word. His smile would lift my spirit and when he gave me an inspiring word, it was a sign of humbleness, a caring soul. Love you all! Think about all the good times. Cathy Rakestraw, sales associate at Dollar Tree, in Morganton. Praying for family and friends of Mr Garville.
RIP my friend
Kim - Praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry for the loss of Granville Freeman. He was a great man he and my husband was friends Bob Tate. Rest now. Margaret Tate
I've always been with you, because you've always been with me. Right in my heart. And in my heart, you'll always be.
He was such a wonderful man he is now reunited with his beautiful wife ❤️ and Jesus
So sorry for your loss.
To the man that accepted me has his own. Regardless of what was going on. You accepted my kids. Loved them like they were yours. The loved that you showed so big. You are a great man and will be missed deeply. I love you Papaw. Fly High!