Harold Wayne Freeman, Sr., 85, of Hope

By Brazzel Oakcrest , 03/13/24 4:16 PM

Harold Wayne Freeman, Sr., age 85, of Hope, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Harold was born on June 25, 1938, in Elkhart, Texas to Willard and Mary Freeman. He met the love of his life, Neladine Burns, in Houston, Texas, and they married on September 6, 1958.

Harold started his professional career with International Harvester in semi-truck sales in Houston, Texas and later in Texarkana, Texas. In 1971, he relocated to Hope, Arkansas, to open Freeman Truck Rentals. His operation managed transportation and freight through the 70’s and 80’s for numerous companies in Hope.

It was his ministry, however, that was his passion in life. Harold served as minister at Central Church of Christ beginning in 1967. Throughout the next 5 ½ decades, he not only preached there but also hosted a weekly radio devotional on our local radio every Sunday morning.

Harold joined the Hope Lions Club in 1972 as a way to reach out to the community-at-large beyond his local church. He was always active during food drives and the annual Lions Club Auction fundraiser, seeking to minister to all in need.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother, Troy Freeman, all of Palestine, Texas.

Harold is survived by his wife of 65 1⁄2 years, Nell Freeman; son Wayne (Sherre) Freeman of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Ronnie (Rhonda) Freeman of Hope, Arkansas; one sister, Verna Walling of Palestine, Texas; four grandchildren: Leslie Jo (Trey) Tucker of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Katie Nell (Jad) Dotson of Nashville, Tennessee; Zane Freeman of West Monroe, Louisiana; and Dillon (Niki) Freeman of Cale, Arkansas. and seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, 1001 South Main street, Hope, Arkansas, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, with family visitation beginning at 9:30a.m., officiated by Neal Ridling and Ronnie Freeman, a graveside service immediately following at Central Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Harold by making a donation to the Central Cemetery Fund; mail to 28 Sweetwater Lane Hope, Arkansas 71801.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the BRAZZEL Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope. Online condolences can be made at www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com