Richard Legrand Freeman

Richard Legrand Freeman, age 75 of Leland, NC, passed away at Novant Health/New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC, on 11 July 2023.

Rich was born on 22 December 1947, in Louisville, KY, to the late Legrand W. and Juanita R. Freeman. Rich and former spouse, Barbara J. McKibben, had 3 children; Heather, Stephane, and Landon. He then remarried on 11 May 2011 to Patricia Kimmel and enjoyed many happy years with her and children, Shawn, Steven, and Kaitlin. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, and is survived by his daughter Heather, daughter and her husband Stephane and Christopher, son and his wife Landon and Laurie, grandchildren Callece, Tristan, Alexus, Kira, and Hunter, brother Tom, and ever-faithful puppy, Sadie.

Rich served his country proudly in the United States Army for over 30 years as a Combat Engineer, retiring as a Colonel in 2000. During that time, he served in Vietnam and numerous overseas postings and was recognized for his faithful and selfless service. We are all eternally grateful for the sacrifices he, and his family, made for the freedoms of our great country and its citizens.

Post military service, Rich continued to serve his community and enthusiastically pursued many personal interests. He served on multiple boards, including the Fort Belvoir Federal Credit Union, local home associations on Cobb Island, MD, and Banyan Bay, NC, and was an avid participant in several sailing clubs, including the Southern Maryland Sailing Association and the Solomons Island Yacht Club. He was always ready to help a friend in need, providing assistance, advice and support, or even just a ready ear to listen. He was known to his multiple furry, 4-legged children as the “weakest link” and could always be counted on for a little extra at meal time. Rich was peculiarly obsessed with $2 bills, but it enabled a unique avenue to strike up a conversation with complete strangers that showcased his easy-going demeanor. He was a mix of stoicism, intelligent contemplation, stubbornness, combined with a ready laugh and a sociable personality. He expected much of himself and those around him. Rich was many things to many people and he will be sorely missed.

Richard and his late wife, Patricia, will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Rich’s family has asked that you consider making a charitable donation in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a Veterans Organization of your choosing.

Please leave memories and condolences for Rich’s family by signing the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Leland Chapel – 525 Village Road Leland, NC 2845 910.383.3511