Obituary

Rev. Carl Freeman 

November 26, 1948 — July 8, 2026

There are some people who spend their lives mastering one thing. Carl Freeman seemed determined to master them all.

On July 8, 2026, Rev. Carl Freeman entered into the presence of the Lord he loved and faithfully served throughout his life. While his family grieves his absence, they rejoice knowing he is now hearing the words he spent a lifetime hoping for: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Carl was born to Alvie and Odie Mae Freeman in Richton, Mississippi on November 26, 1948. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Joe Freeman, Don Freeman, and Steve Freeman. He leaves behind the love of his life and best friend of 59 years, Emma Jean Hyde Freeman. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of commitment, faith, laughter, and unwavering love. Together they raised a family that was the pride of his life: Nathan (Jessica) Freeman, Brent (Tanya) Freeman, and Stacey Freeman

His legacy as Paw-Paw continues through his cherished grandchildren: Lauren (Phillip) Heisser, Kennon (Emily) Scott, Courtney (Michael) Eibergen, Kyle (Dana) Freeman, Jonathan (Shelby) Freeman, Amber Sabillon, Lexi Holeman, and Grayson Freeman; and through his treasured great-grandchildren, Aubree Heisser, Adelynn Heisser, Ellie Scott, Lydia Scott, and Marcy Freeman.

He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Smith, Evie McNeese, Sheila Hall, and Sue Varnado, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and lifelong friends who were all blessed to know him.

If you asked Carl what he did for a living, the answer depended on the day. He was a barber who owned Mr. Carl's Hairworld in Picayune, Mississippi for many years. He was a pastor, a preacher, a counselor, and a servant of God. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, artist, mechanic, carpenter, electrician, chef, and teacher. If it had wires, gears, strings, an engine, or "guts," Carl could probably fix it, and if he couldn't, he'd figure it out anyway.

He especially loved his guitar. Music flowed naturally from him. He could pick up an instrument, make up a song on the spot, and have everyone around him smiling before the chorus was over.

In the late 1980s, Carl traveled with the Southern Gospel group, The New South Boys, sharing both music and the Gospel wherever the road led. Later, after moving his family to Covington, Louisiana, he faithfully pastored First Apostolic Church from 1990 until 2005, pouring his heart into the people God entrusted to him. After Hurricane Katrina, God led Carl and Jean to Mountain View, Arkansas, where he pastored and founded the Gospel Opry, a place where faith, fellowship, and Southern Gospel music came together. Eventually, they returned home in 2016 to be closer to family. People often said Carl retired at that time. Those who knew him knew better. He simply changed locations.

His faith was never something reserved for Sunday mornings. It shaped every conversation, every decision, every song, and every act of kindness. He didn't just preach the Gospel - he lived it. He loved people deeply, gave generously, forgave quickly, and believed there was always room for one more around the table.

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he wasn't remembered for the things he owned. He'll be remembered for the songs he sang, the meals he cooked, the wisdom he shared, the prayers he prayed, the laughter he created, and the unconditional love he gave so freely.

His hands rarely sat still. They played music, fixed broken things, prepared meals, cut hair, held babies, hugged family, and were often folded in prayer. They reflected the life of a man who believed serving others was one of life's greatest privileges. Perhaps Carl's greatest sermon was never preached from behind a pulpit. It was preached through the life he lived.

A life of faith. A life of humility. A life of service. A life filled with music. A life overflowing with love.

His chair may now sit empty. His guitar may rest quietly. His voice may no longer echo through the house. But his influence will continue to be heard in every hymn his family sings, every prayer they pray, every meal shared around the table, every laugh sparked by one of his stories, and every life that chooses to follow Christ because Carl first showed them the way. We will miss him more than words can express. But Heaven is a sweeter place today because Carl Freeman is finally home.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at New Life Pentecostal Church, 1600 Jefferson St., Bogalusa, LA 70427, from 11:00a.m. until the funeral service time of 1:00p.m. Rev. Wesley Quave, Rev. Darryl Morse, Rev. Troy Hebert, and Sis. Bobbie Kennedy will officiate the service and interment will follow in Ponemah Cemetery.