MSGT (Retired) William Phillip Freeman, 69, of 1003 Hardin Road, Lumberton, NC passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. He was born in Robeson County, NC of August 23, 1942 to the late Joseph Chester Freeman and Eulia Phillips Freeman. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he was an aircraft structural repairman. Mr. Freeman entered the USAF on March 18, 1966 and retired on September 30, 1983.

While serving his country he received the AF Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, USN Good Conduct Medal, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the AF Good Conduct Medal with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.

Mr. Freeman is survived by his former wife, Linda Baxley of Lumberton; a son, Joseph E. Freeman and wife Kristen of Fuquay-Varina; three daughters, Crystal Freeman and husband Tommy Wilson of Lumberton, Donyelle Hester and husband Barry of Bladenboro and Shannon Dial and husband, Kevin of Myrtle Beach, SC; a sister Carolyn Delaney of Jacksonville, FL; and sixteen grandchildren, Keenan, Joseph Ross, Taylor, Koby, Jackson, Mason, Austin, Haylee, Kelsie, Codey, Matthew, Aram, Jeshuah, Paige, Bailey and Joseph.

A time for visitation will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the home on 1003 Hardin Road in Lumberton.