David Lee Freeman

David Lee Freeman

09/04/2022

In loving memory of David (Dave) Lee Freeman,

David (Dave) Lee Freeman, 76, of Deltona, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 4, 2022 surrounded by the love of his children.

Dave was born on March 23,1946 in Crawfordsville, Indiana to Reldo and Grace (Crum) Freeman of Sheridan,Indiana.

Dave was a veteran and proudly served his country in the United States Army 32nd Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Sargent and for his honorable service received the National Defense Service Medal and qualified as an expert on multiple weapon platforms including the M14 and M60. Upon his return to the United States in 1968 he discharged honorably from active duty and continued with the United States Army Reserves. Our dad was proud to serve and protect our freedoms.

Our father was a man of tall stature and always dressed in denim and boots. His size and love of all things with 18 wheels and Harley Davidson’s could be intimidating until you spent just a few minutes talking to him and quickly realized he was as gentle as a teddy bear. He was sentimental and sent the best cards for your birthday or special holidays. The kind of cards you see in commercials that make you cry. In fact, he cried so much that the bandanas he carried in his pocket were more for his tears and less for his sweat. He was a gentle and loving soul. It’s only fitting that as we said our last goodbyes, our daddy was shedding tears while his body prepared for his eternal exit. We even laughed about that. We’re sure he was too.

Dave will forever be remembered as the father who never missed an opportunity to tell his children and grandchildren that he loved them. He was always quick to share how proud he was of each of us. He was our rock. A truly devoted father, papaw, and friend.

Dave developed a love for Harley Davidson motorcycles at a young-age and never outgrew his passion for the loudest pipes, the prettiest bike, and jamming gears. Some of our fondest memories with him are wrapping our arms around him as little kids and asking him to go faster and faster to feel the wind in our hair. He fulfilled his dreams of riding to Sturgis and the Tale of the Dragon. He loved Nascar, hot rods, and muscle cars.

Dave was a dedicated worker. He drove a semi-truck for 50 plus years. He has countless Driver of the Year awards and took pride in being safe and efficient. Driving was his passion. He competed in semi-truck rodeos and often received perfect scores. He quickly became friends with people at every stop and would take time to say hello or ask about their day. None of us are surprised that he worked up until the day he became ill and passed shortly after. When he wasn’t working you could find him sitting at Waffle House drinking coffee and talking for hours to the staff and his friends.

He is survived by two daughters; Leah (Charles) Pyron & Sarah Stephens. One son; Nicholas (Shelly) Strong. Three grandsons: Caleb Sullivan, Zachary Pyron, Noah Pyron.

Three granddaughters: Haley Stephens, Emma Stephens, Kasey Stephens.

Sisters: Sharon Dotson, Marcia Dodge, and Shirley Brown and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Reldo and Grace Freeman.

Sister; Cheryl Burns.

There will be a celebration of life service for Dave in the near future. In lieu of flowers or cards, we ask that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in our father’s name.