George Vernon Freeman

George Vernon Freeman, 87, of 724 Liberty Church Road, Gray, died Monday, September 8, 2008 at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was a native of Roan Mountain, son of the late Henry Campbell and Dollie Lee Arnett Freeman. George was of Baptist faith. He was a veteran of both WWII and Korea, having served in the U. S. Navy, on numerous ships. George was a recruiter in Johnson City from 1953 to 55. When he retired he was a Master Chief Petty Officer. He was awarded many medals including: the 3 for Good Conduct, Asiatic-Pacific, American Defense, European-African-Middle Eastern, China Service, WW II Victory, Navy Occupation, National Defense Service, Korean Service and United Nations Service. He was a mechanic, welder and machinist. George was a member of the VFW Post 4933 Boone Dam, the Moose Lodge #1831 and was a former member of the VFW Post 4254 Bonita Springs, Florida. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie Lee Freeman in 2003, a son, Vernon Keith Freeman; six brothers, Matthew, Eck, Jim, John W., Marion and Frank; a half brother, John Freeman; five sisters, Essie, Blanche, Francis, Pauline and Maude. Survivors include: a son, Paul 'Zeke'? Freeman of Gray, two grandsons, Mark Freeman of Johnson City and Logan Gabriel Freeman of Gray; a granddaughter, Kelly Samantha Freeman of Gray; a great granddaughter, Shelby Jane Freeman of Gray; a sister, Nina Bell Pickering of Gray; several nieces and nephews. A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in the North Chapel of the Morris '' Baker Funeral Home, under the direction of Rev. Bob Edmonds. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until time of services at eight. A committal service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Mt. Home National Cemetery with military honors provided by the: Kingsport American Legion Honor Guard. A procession will leave Morris '' Baker Funeral at 1:30 p.m. Friday to the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be: Mark and Logan Freeman, Bobby H. and Bobby W. Freeman, L.D. Bennett and Steve Freeman. Honorary pallbearers will be: Mike, Frankie and Butch Freeman. Online condolences are available at: www.morrisbaker.com. In charge of arrangements: Morris '' Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601 or (423) 282-1521.