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Richard Lloyd Frees, 83, passed away peacefully at his Huntsville home on Thursday morning, July 2, 2015.
Rev. Frees was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on June 8, 1932. He served in the United States Air Force for twenty-one years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. His first Air Force assignment was at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, Alabama, where he met his beloved bride-to-be, Sara Shockley of Hazel Green, Alabama.
Following his retirement he devoted himself full-time to the Christian ministry. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Athens College, then two Master’s degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Library Science from the University of Kentucky.
Rev. Frees pastored three churches: East Howard Baptist Church in Biloxi, Mississippi, Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Lowes, Kentucky, and Central Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. He was a professor of Bible and Christian education at Mid-Continent Baptist Bible College in Mayfield, Kentucky, and also served as the College’s Librarian for a number of years.
Rev. Frees is survived by his wife, Sara Shockley Frees; four children, David Frees (Ludi), Jim Frees (Pam), Mark Frees (Lynn), and Kevin Frees; thirteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His life stands as an example of humble faithfulness to his family and to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, July 6, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home in Huntsville, with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. in the chapel. Officiating will be Dr. Lee Castle of Olive Branch, Mississippi, a dear seminary friend and roommate of Rev. Frees. Interment will be at Huntsville Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Huntsville’s Downtown Rescue Mission (DowntownRescueMission.org).
