Richard Norman (Dick) Freeling, Sr.


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Oct 19th, 2007

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  • Death Date: Oct 19, 2007

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Biography: Richard Norman (Dick) Freeling, Sr., of Little Rock, regarded by friends and family members as a hero of the “Greatest Generation,” died peacefully October 19. Dick was born on May 29, 1923, to Guy Alexander and Grace Hanson Freeling, who, along with his brother Guy Freeling, Jr., preceded him in death. He is survived by Marie Hare Freeling, his wife of 60 years; son and daughter-in-law Rick and Barbara Freeling of Little Rock; daughter Susan Carr of Chapel Hill, NC; grandchildren Tyrrell Januzzi and husband Lou of New York, NY, Taylor Carr of Annapolis, MD, Becka Webb and husband Brian of Little Rock; and two great grandchildren. Dick attended school in Little Rock before enrolling at Columbia Military Academy. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a Sigma Chi. As an Army First Lieutenant, Dick served as an Infantry Unit Commander during World War II, seeing action in the Normandy, Germany and Northern France Campaigns in the European Theater of Operations, receiving a Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star (for Gallantry), Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation and the European Theater Medal with three battle stars. Dick was a principal of Freeling Insurance from 1945-79, at which time he joined Stephens, Inc., where he worked as a registered representative for 10 years before retirement. The quintessential gentleman, Dick entertained friends and family with his wonderful knack for story-telling. An enthusiastic ham radio operator for many years, Dick was active in the American Radio Relay League. He was a past director of the Country Club of Little Rock and a member of the Bible Church. God used Dick Freeling to touch the hearts and lives of many. He was, first and foremost, a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he will be missed by all who knew him. There will be a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdsay, Oct. 23rd, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 8300 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, AR, 72204. Burial will be private. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. The family would like to give a special thanks to their loving friend Barbara Ellis and to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Unit 1D at Fort Roots Veterans Administration Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Andrew’s Church.

Condolences(16)
Sharlett Craig
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rick - just terribly sorry about your dad. My former father in law, Frank Craig, from Camden was a HAM operator who talked with your Dad almost every day until he passed away a few years ago. I know you have wonderful memories. Love and hugs - Sharlett
Jan Woods Eastwood
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Susan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of great loss.
Ron Lynch
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Freeling family, Dick was a true American and a real Patriot. Nothing I can say would ever begin to cover all his great qualities. I know that the family and all of his many friends will miss him.
Larry and Laura Collins
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are sorry for your loss. Dick will always be remembered as a great friend and insperation.
David Hare K5MCM
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I will miss my Friend and a Great American Hero. He Impressed me as always being a Father, Husband and Servant of God first. I spent many hours on the Radio talking to Dick and always enjoyed his stories and friendship. I have some of his stories that he told on tape and still enjoy listening to them. He will be greatly missed by everyone he touched.

Love to Marie, Rick & Susan

David & Tina Hare
Marilyn Archer
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Susan,May your memories of the past sustain you in the difficult days of the present and future. Marilou Brodie and Marilyn Brodie Archer
BeBe McKinney Deal
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
John and Pebble Wallace
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My wife Pebble W5CAO and I "Red" W5ZZA have had many Ham Radio conversations with Dick over the years and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
JoJo, Michael & Michael, II Kittell
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Freeling Family -

We are so sorry for your loss. Papa will truly be missed.

Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Love always,

JoJo, Michael & Michael, II
GARY WEED
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
DICK WAS ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING MEN I'VE EVER KNOW....WHEN I WAS LIVING IN NORTH LITTLE ROCK AS A TEEN HE AND I WOULD TALK FOR HOURS ON END ON THE RADIO....I WAS W 5 U H D ...AND IT WAS A BLESSED DAY WHEN I WOULD ENCOUNTER HIM WALKING DOWN THE STREETS OF LITTLE ROCK...." HE COULD IMMEDIATELY KNOW WHO I WAS JUST WHEN I SAID HELLO AND ALWAYS CLOSE WITH.."I'LL SEE YOU AROUND"
Arthur Clayton
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
A real loss to his family and all his many
friends..He will be sorely missed.
Steve and Wanda Owen
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
How sad to hear of the passing of such a super person. Many mornings have been filled with listening to "Dicky" on ham radio. His stories were priceless, both when he was joking and the ones he could tell about his experiences in the military. May he rest in peace.
Dr. San Hutson K5YY
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I will miss Dick, W5TIZ, a long time ham radio operator friend of mine. We ate lunch about 2 years ago and he seemed to remember the old ham radio days dating back to the 50s-70s as if they were just yesterday.
Dick could always be 'sharp with his words' but came across unscathed... always keeping his true friends. We all respected Dick Freeling and all of our ham radio community have fond memories of our relationship with him. Marie, we are thinking of you and the family at this time. God will be smiling with Dick cracking jokes in Heaven.
Dr. Sandy "San" Hutson K5YY Springdale, AR
Terry & Walt Paulson
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Marie and family -- What fond memories I have of Dick and his radios and the swimming pool on Shadow Lane! He was a dear and true friend to my family and he will be missed. We're holding you in our prayers.

Terry and Pepper Paulson
James and Cheryl Davidson
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
So sorry to hear of Mr. Freeling's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
the Davidsons, James and Cheryl
(the mailman at Treetops and his wife)
Tom Johnson
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Mrs. Freeling, I am so sorry about your husbands recent passing. May God bless you and comfort you in this time of sorrow. I really admired Mr. Freeling, he always put a smile on my face every time I spoke with him and I really liked him because my Dad (Ector) really liked him also. I remember overhearing Dad and Mr. Freeling on the phone discussing thier next dominos game, they sounded like a couple of kids talking to each other not grown men! I miss them both. Love, Tom

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