June 21, 1945 — Feb. 21, 2014

VICKSBURG — Memorial services for Charles David “Buddy” Freeman, 68, of Vicksburg, who died Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at River Region Medical Center in Vicksburg, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Riles Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Freeman was born June 21, 1945, in Natchez, the son of Charles and Annie Freeman.

He resided in Vicksburg for nearly 35 years. He received his bachelors of science from Mississippi State University with a major in general business and minors in accounting, marketing and insurance in 1967. He received his masters in social work from Tulane University in 1973.

He was a 20-year veteran having served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and the Mississippi Army National Guard. His rank at retirement was Colonel (O6).

He served as a social work officer, personnel programs management staff and equal opportunity officer. He retired as a social worker from G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center after 21 years.

He was an avid deer hunter, fisherman, enjoyed video poker and was a Silver Life Master at bridge. He was known and respected throughout the area for his ability to play a bridge hand. He was also much appreciated for his mentoring of those who were hoping to improve their game.

The bridge community will greatly miss him and will not soon forget him.

Mr. Freeman was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Colleen Cunning Freeman; one son, Jason L. Freeman of Vicksburg; one daughter, Heather L. Freeman of Jackson; one sister, Norma Jean Cocilova and husband, Nick, of Vicksburg; one nephew, Ronald Cocilova of Vicksburg; and one great-niece, Megan Cocilova of Texas; and a number of uncles, aunts and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to one of the following.

Salvation Army, 530 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39181 or PO Box 1166, 39181, phone (601) 636-2706, (601) 636-2736 fax.

Wounded Warrior Project

3343 Peachtree Road, NE #M20, Atlanta, GA 30326, phone (404) 974-9234, fax (404) 467-0573.

Vicksburg Warren Humane Society 6600 U.S. Highway 61 South, Vicksburg, MS 39180, phone (601) 636-6631.