Cecil "Curtis" Freeman

Cecil Curtis Freeman, 88, passed away February 1, 2025 in Maryville, TN after a short illness.

Curtis was born in Memphis on Sept 29, 1936. He was raised in a Christian home by parents he adored, father Cecil Dupuy Freeman and mother, Lady Izma Minor Freeman. He grew up in what was then a rural Whitehaven, where he attended school for 12 years and maintained friends from Whitehaven High for years to come.

Curtis was graduated from Memphis State Unuversity (now U of M) in 1958. He then studied at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans and received A Masters of Divinity in 1962.

For most of his adult life, Curtis lived in Memphis. Among other business ventures he worked in the ophthalmic medical device industry for 30 years. In that capacity he traveled to many points of the globe, eventually visiting over 40 countries. Curtis loved people as well as learning about and experiencing other cultures. He made many lasting friends along the way, several of whom he maintained contact for years, even after retirement. In 2011 Curtis and his wife Jeanne relocated to Maryville, TN. For 13 years they enjoyed a quiet life in a small town, reminiscent of their younger years. Curtis was a kind and gentle man who was a friend to many. His Christian faith remained with him and sustained him throughout his life in times of happiness and sorrow.

Curtis leaves to mourn him his loving wife, Jeanne West-Freeman of Maryville, son Stephen (Krista), of Collierville, and grandsons Stephen, Jr. of Scottsdale, AZ and Matthew (Jasmin) of Collierville, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, a son, David, brothers R.W. and Dr. Jerre Freeman, and his beloved sister Lola Langdon and her husband Jim.

Also mourning his loss are Molly, Corky, and Ozzie Freeman, or the Freelines, as they are fondly known. Family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM at Smith Trinity Chapel. A celebration of Curtis’ life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 15, 2025 in the Smith Trinity Chapel. The interment service and burial will follow at 3:00 PM at Grandview Cemetery. Condolences may be shared through Smith funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithfuneralandCremation.com