George Freeman was born to David Richard Freeman, Sr. and Florence Edna Gann on April 11, 1916, in Lufkin, Texas, within sight of the Whitehouse Cemetery where he will be interred. A devoted son and sibling, he provided support and care for his extended family for his entire life. He graduated Lufkin High School in 1933, married Ruth Hunt of Lufkin and began work at Lufkin Foundry. He supported his countryÕs war effort even before he was aware of it, employed in a position Lufkin Industries classified as critical to the war effort. Upon learning that the job earned him a military deferment, he insisted the deferment be withdrawn so he could join his brothers in military service. Almost a decade older than most of his fellow sailors, he entered the US Navy at 26. He served with distinction in the Pacific Fleet, returning to family in Lufkin upon discharge. Ready to lead and serve in peace as well as war, he was active for his entire life in the Church of Christ, the International Association of Machinists, and in local and state politics. In retirement, he attended Angelina College, learning Spanish in the hope of conducting mission work in Mexico. He served as Mayor of the Community of Fuller Springs and was active in local elections. He was devoted to family, always sought the right, and loved justice. The beneficiaries of his life are his family and friends, the men and women of the United States Navy who served with him, the citizens of Texas and Angelina County, and anyone who ever knew him. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, four brothers and three sisters. He is survived by one sister, his children and their spouses, his grandchildren, great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. His family extends appreciation to the staff of Grace Care Nursing Center of Lufkin and to Dr. Carlton Lewis for their special care and comfort to him. Pallbearers will be Chad Hambrick, Rocky Smith, David Gordon, Robert Arrington, Jerry Burrous and Joe Phillip Freeman. Expressions of sympathy in Mr. FreemanÕs memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904. Services for Mr. Freeman will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2008, in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Pat Jones and Bro. J.C. Balch officiating. Interment will follow in the Whitehouse Cemetery. Gipson Funeral Home; Bill Swearingen, director.