Charles S. Freel, 90, of Andrews, passed away Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at his residence.
He was born in Buncombe County and moved to Andrews from Canton at the age of 5.
Charles had served in the United States Air Force and was a Korean War veteran. He was stationed at Ashiya Air Force Base in Japan with the 315th Air Division, 61st Troop Carrier Squadron. Charles was an aircraft and engine mechanic, working on C-119s. He later returned to McGhee-Tyson Air Base in Knoxville, Tenn., where he was crew chief on F-86 Sabre jets.
Charles was a graduate of Western Carolina University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
He went on to open Freel Furniture Company in 1958, which he operated for the next 30 years. Charles then owned and operated Freel Builders Supply for the next 17 years.
Charles was a member of Andrews United Methodist Church and was active with the Methodists Men’s group.
He was a member of Andrews Masonic Lodge No. 529, Andrews Eastern Star Chapter No. 15 and Marble Springs Eastern Star No. 320 and Andrews Lions Club. He was a huge Braves fan and attended Spring training in West Palm Beach and Orlando, Fla. There he made many good friends.
Following retirement, he returned to the farm, which he loved.
He was a real family man, who loved his family and especially his grandchildren.
He was the son of the late Clyde Spear and Margaret Walker Freel. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Walker Freel.
Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, Lillian West Freel; a son, C. Scott Freel and wife Margaret of Murphy; two daughters, Margie Carpenter of Andrews, and Susan Bode and husband Jan of Belgium; five beloved grandchildren, Craig Freel and wife Perri of Charlotte, Avery and Michael Carpenter of Andrews, Lukas and Lauren Bode of Belgium; two great-grandsons, Crawford and Davis Freel; and one nephew, Mark Walker Freel.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, in Andrews United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kathy McAbee and Rev. Dr. Mary Brown officiating. The inurnment will take place at a later date in Valleytown Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Andrews United Methodist Church, prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Charles S. Freel to the Andrews United Methodist Men’s Group or “The Welcome Table”, P.O. Box 1310, Andrews, NC 28901.
Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.