Released by Bob Freeman, President of Freeman Webb 

Nashville, Tenn. – November 18, 2024 – I am sorry to share that my dad, William H. Freeman (Bill), has passed away. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, always putting others first. He and his dear friend, Jimmy Webb, started Freeman Webb Company in 1979, and they grew it from one apartment community to over 18,000 units that are managed today. Dad treated everyone on his team like family and loved seeing everyone succeed. He enjoyed sharing how we still have our first hired employee working with the company to this day. 

For many years, Bill Freeman was a dedicated advocate for our city, state, and community. His passion for making Nashville a better place was evident in every part of his life. Fearless in sharing his opinions on the issues that mattered most, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him and to leave a lasting impact on our shared future. 

Bill was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party, offering both financial support and public advocacy. He was the largest Democratic fundraiser in Tennessee and contributed substantially to candidates at the national, state and local levels. In 2016, President Obama appointed him to the Kennedy Center Advisory Committee on the Arts, and in 2022, President Biden appointed him to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. 

As well as co-founding Freeman Webb Company, he and Jimmy Webb started FW Publishing in 2018, with the purchase of the Nashville Scene, Nashville Post, Nfocus Magazine, and The Green Hills News. In addition to these accomplishments, Dad was also an avid pilot and served as a past chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. A long-time mason, he served as a past master of Corinthian Masonic Lodge #8 and last year was bestowed the highest honor of 33rd Degree Scottish Rite. 

As much as he valued his career and accomplishments, his family always came first. Especially my mom, Babs. What started out as a childhood friendship with their meeting in elementary school in Donelson, Tennessee, soon blossomed into a lifelong love and, together, they built a rich life full of love, family, and memories. Their bond was a testament to the love and dedication that defined everything he did. He instilled in me and my brothers - Harvey and Mike - the values of being loving husbands and devoted fathers, and we carry those lessons with us today. His grandchildren, too, held a special place in his heart and his love for them was unparalleled. 

I know Bill Freeman, my dad, will be deeply missed by all who knew him—his family, friends, colleagues, and this community.  His legacy of dedication and commitment will live on in the countless lives he touched. 

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