CULLMAN —
It has been my great, good fortune to have met Chester Freeman — not as many times as I would have liked — but enough to know that I was speaking to someone I would remember for the rest of my life.
A decorated veteran of World War II, Freeman was a candy salesman for 28 years, owning his own company for much of that time.
He was a humble man. He spoke softly, but what he said carried a great weight. He was Cullman’s biggest cheerleader, a man who worked tirelessly and selflessly for the betterment of the community which he loved.
He greeted every person he met with a smile and spoke to them as if they were the most important person he would meet that day.
He was member of the Lion’s Club, involved in St. Andrews Methodist Church, which he attended since 1948, was involved in the Cullman County Industrial Development Board, and the Chamber of Commerce. For 32 years he was Chairman of the Advisory Board at Wallace State Community College.
Freeman was instrumental in bringing industry and business to Cullman in the 1950s as part of a team of enterprising businessmen who had a passion for seeing Cullman prosper. They were known as the “Flying 50” and they traveled wherever they could to promote Cullman County and all of its attributes. Their accomplishments made Cullman what we see today, a thriving industrial, agricultural, recreational and business community. Without the vision of men like Chester Freeman, Cullman might have been just another little town along the railroad line.
He was also involved with the Parks and Recreation Department from its inception in the early ’70s, and a member of the National Park and Recreation Trustees, which oversees the national parks in the United States and Canada.
He brought to Cullman the idea of a park for handicapped citizens. Having seen one like it on his trips for the National Park system, he thought to himself, “We can do this in Cullman…”
Freeman looked at several models for the Field of Miracles, but was adamant that the one in Cullman be center of activity, and not pushed to one side. He made sure that it was located in the hub of the park. He wanted no one left behind….
I once asked Mr. Freeman how in the world he raised the money for the Field of Dreams in such a relatively short time. “It was the easiest thing I’ve ever done,” he replied. “People wanted to help. We had a lot of lunches where I would explain the concept, and everyone was anxious to be a part of the project.”
He was an advocate of so many worthwhile projects for this community. His work with Sight Conservation is legendary, and has helped many people. “I’ve been able to be with kids when they could see for the first time,” he said in awe.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with really good people,” he said. “It’s been interesting. I’ve always appreciated the support from the community.”
And this community is truly indebted to Chester Freeman. He didn’t seek the public glory as some might have, he didn’t boast or brag of his accomplishments. He didn’t work to see his name above the gates of a park — it’s there because of his hard work and dedication behind the scenes — and because he was deserving of the honor.
He will be mourned and missed by his loving family: His wife, Hilda, two children, Carolyn, who is married to Dr. Bill Peinhardt, and Dr. Phil Freeman, and his wife, Patti, and six wonderful grandchildren whom he adored.
The world will be a lesser place without Chester Freeman. He was a gentle soul, a perfect example of the edict in the Bible that we should love our neighbor.
His spirit left us at the dawn of a new day. I like to think of him walking up to the pearl-studded gates, being greeted by a James Earl Jones voice that says “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
I’m quite sure that Heaven is a little sweeter this morning, now that Chester Freeman has arrived.
Lifestyle
SOUTHERN STYLE: Chester Freeman remembered
- Lifestyle
-
-
Pets of the week: GloryBee and Esther Leigh want to go home
-
Gettin' their groom on
For 19 years Prestigious Pets has served Cullman County at its downtown location just off Highway 31. Recently, however, Melody Basch made the decision to relocate to the country.
-
Wedding friends - This is the last time I will ever see you
Last night I was showing my daughter our wedding album, and I saw a ghost. There, grinning at me back at me from July 20, 1997, was a face that had once been as familiar to me as my brother's.
-
When is a nightgown appropriate in the office?
Who among us hasn't wondered if pajama pants are OK in the winter? What about clingy, see-through blouses for spring? And now that it's almost summer, what about nightgowns? Specifically, what about midthigh-length, straw-colored cotton nightgowns at work?
-
VIDEO: Jeep pool jump is an epic fail
A man in Canada and some of his buddies decided to try to jump their jeep over the pool. It didn't go so well.
-
VIDEO: Half-naked man interrupts French Open
A protester calling for the resignation of the French president interrupts the French Open by streaking across the court, half-naked and holding a flare.
-
Pets of the week: Jackdandy is lost and needs his family
My name is Jackdandy and I am about 2 years old. I was brought in as a stray but I am definitely missing my family.
-
Educator named student of the year
For the past 33 years, Elizabeth Pruett has been teaching kindergarten at Fairview Elementary. Over the course of that time she has taught close to 600 children about “readin’, writin’ and ‘rithmatic”, but for the last few years she has done much more than that.
-
SOUTHERN STYLE: Anywhere, USA
On April 27, a series of tornadoes roared through Cullman County, leaving in their wake an astonishing path of destruction half-a-mile wide and 26 miles long. Wind speeds of 120 mph were recorded.
-
BBQ MY WAY: All-night pulled pork is a winning approach
As a regular reader of my column (you do read my column regularly, right?) you know that I prefer legitimate barbecue cooked low and slow over hickory as compared to pork that is cooked in the oven or crock pot.
- More Lifestyle Headlines
-
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
