Henry Ray Freeman of Avery, Texas passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at a Denison, Texas hospital. Henry was born September 3, 1943 to William Franklin Freeman and Alver Lou Della Baird in Red River County. He was a retired Heavy Equipment Operator at Red River Army Depot. Henry was a faithful member of the Avery Methodist Church and possessed a true servant’s heart, providing love and assistance to so many within his community. He and his wife Kathy devoted much of their time providing assistance to others through their church and local food bank. Henry was well known for his kind heart, sense of humor, and joking nature. He loved to “pick” and “aggravate” in such a loving way and always knew how to put a smile on the face of all he met. Known by so many children as “The Bubble Gum Man”, he always had a shirt pocket full of gum to hand out to the kids, as well as adults, at church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill Freeman and one sister, Peggy Davis, and great niece Megan Daniel.
Henry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kathy Freeman of Avery; one brother, Bob Freeman and wife Juanella of the Malta community; one brother-in-law, Blake Jackson and wife Nancy of Avery; nephews Michael Jackson and wife Sarah and Brent Jackson and wife Brooke, both of Avery, James Davis and wife Charlotte of Dike, Texas and Jerry Davis of Alice, Texas; nieces Katie Pate and husband Johnny of Avery, Denise Carrier of Winter Garden, Florida and Deanna Trahan and husband Mark of Tallahassee, Florida; special “bonus great grandchildren” Tyler, Jace, Logan, Kendall, and Presley; great nephews Cody, Josh, John, Bradley, Sammy, and Cody and great nieces Lauren, Aimee, and Stefanie; and great great nephews Carter, Blake, Jacob, and Jesse; as well as a multitude of loving family and friends.
Pallbearers are Lonnie Blackburn, Brook Lennon, Kyle Lennon, Ross Lennon, Les Montgomery, and Ranse Pipes. Honorary pallbearers include Ronald Braden, Pat Coughran, Bruce Duncan, Gerald Holder, Joe Ross Miller, and David Phelps.
Services were held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Avery Methodist Church under the direction of Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas with Pastor Jack Cloyd and John Moore officiating. Graveside services followed at Avery Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Avery Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Avery Methodist Church.
