Jerry T. Freeman
Born in Hillsborough, North Carolina on December 5, 1939.Departed in Melbourne, Florida on November 16 2018
Jerry T. Freeman, age 78, passed away peacefully at Wuestoff-Melbourne on Friday, November 16, 2018. Jerry was born in Hillsborough, NC. His family soon moved to the nearby town of Durham, NC. He later moved to Melbourne, FL in 1979.
Jerry graduated from Furman University with a Business Degree in 1962. Jerry and Janice were married on August 22,1981, sharing 37 years of marriage together.
Jerry was proud of his service as a US Marine. He retired from Social Security Administration in 2005 after 43 years as District Manager over Brevard and Indian River County.
Jerry’s family would describe him as a courageous, kind, giving, loving, and an adventurous man. He was an intelligent man who read voraciously and was always ready to discuss topics ranging from military history to politics and financial markets. He was always caring for those less fortunate and often stood up for those in need spending several years as head of the Space Coast Handicapped Association.
Jerry loved watching college basketball and football and was an avid fan of North Carolina Tarheels. He loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their sports and activities. One of Jerry’s greatest passions was to spend time at Ocean Isle, North Carolina at the family’s beach cottage where Jerry would relax at the beach and unwind.
Jerry provided quality homes & affordable housing to many in Brevard County. Former tenants who rented out Jerry’s houses would stop by at times to thank him for helping them live with dignity through difficult times in their lives.
Jerry loved the Lord and often spent his time in reflection and prayer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Melbourne for 20 years. Faith was always an integral part of the Freeman family as evidenced by the fact that three of his family members are pastors- his brother-in-law David Bult, and his nephews Dave Bult, Jr. and Bryan Bult. Jerry often sought out answers in the Bible and had many favorite bible verses. One of his favorites was 1 Samuel 16:7, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Jerry valued family, humility and Service to others above all. No matter what he achieved he was always quick to credit others and to point out all the valuable contributions they had made. This is why he was an effective leader- kindness, empathy, and a great communicator. Jerry’s employees often met high standards and outperformed other districts because he had hand picked them and then allowed them to develop under his nurturing guidance.
Jerry had a very strong work ethic that he first learned watching his father work as a construction foreman on the Southern Railroad. Jerry had an unwavering drive to excel and did not have any quit in him. Jerry could often be found either working at the Social Security Office or working tirelessly to improve a rental property.
Jerry was just 19 days short of his 79th Birthday. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Janice; his sons, Jay (Stefanie), Tom (Michelle), and Matthew; his daughters Christy (Lance) and Victoria; his sisters Carolyn (Lou), Diane, and Jane (Stephen); and his grandchildren, Amanda, Ben, Kira, Samantha, Dayton, Lillykate, Mason, Ava and Gavin.