John Freeman

On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, John C. Freeman, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Hendersonville, TN surrounded by his family.

John Freeman is survived by Lucy Freeman, daughter Kellie, sons Andrew Freeman and Ben Haley, grandsons Nick and AJ, great granddaughter Harper, and sister-in-law Lydia Delgado.

John Freeman was best known for his teachings as an English Professor; he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude from Georgetown College and received the Woodrow Wilson Graduate Award. John taught English and English literature at the University of TEXAS at El Paso, and the El Paso Community College. After he retired and moved to TN with his family, John continued to teach at various institutions in Nashville, TN.

John was a published writer and poet; his last published poem entitled “Sultry Evening”, was published in I ache in the places I used to play, an anthology of over 70 poems and stories by over 70 writers age 70 and over, written and edited by Fin Hall, released September 2022. Mr. Hall did a live book launch in Aberdeen, Scotland on September 11th and dedicated the evening to Mr. Freeman by reading one of John’s poem aloud:

Sultry Evening by John C. Freeman

As the thunderheads build to the South

And the intermittent lightning flashes

Flickeringly form a background for the twilight

A silence slowly settles the desert heat

And a faint wind blows odors in the air

The mercurial desert changes mood,

And its brightness is replaced by gray,

then dark.

The sunlit sameness becomes something else

And the rustlings and crickets take over and sing.

John loved to read and instilled the love of books in everyone.  John spent countless hours during the pandemic fervently writing poems and Haikus to describe COVID-19. John’s home library was his daily go to where he spent hours on end organizing and categorizing his many books while continuing to quote facts, anecdotes, and other musings to us, as he reviewed his life’s readings.

John influenced and challenged his students to become all they could. Each year, his students would return to thank him for his support and guidance, often crediting John for their many successes in life.

John’s deep voice could be heard throughout the halls of the community college where students would often gather outside his classroom just to hear one of his many brilliant lectures. John carried around a stack of his books that he would pile on top of his desk for anyone who wanted a free book. His students deeply loved and admired him.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, John dedicated his entire life to his family, friends, and social justice issues. His generous spirit, bright smile, and love for humanity made him a model community member who was loved by everyone who knew him.

A private memorial will be held at home, led in prayer by Kurt Berger.