NATCHEZ — Services for Hugh Josh Freeman Sr., 83, who died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at his home in Natchez, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2009, at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Douglas R. Broome, pastor of First Baptist Church in Natchez, officiating. Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, May 1, 2009, beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of the services at Laird Funeral Home in Natchez.

Mr. Freeman was born March 2, 1926, in Franklin County, Miss. He was the son of Joshua Joel and Mary Holland Freeman.

Hugh was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps with the 3rd Bomber Group in Yokota, Japan, as an air to ground and airborne radio equipment specialist. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose for many years and held various offices, including governor, in the local and state lodges. The Pilgrim’s Degree of Merit was bestowed upon him for his service to this organization.

He was employed by Sears and Roebuck Co. in Natchez and, after a very storied 27-plus year career, retired. At the time of his retirement he was the manager of the Tire & Service Department. After a brief retirement hiatus, Hugh then entered into a successful business venture with one of his lifelong friends, C.M. “Chuck” Bass, when they formed Compressor Engine Systems Inc. This venture allowed extensive travel throughout the South and the West as they repaired gas compressors for major oil companies and engines for various ship lines.

Hugh finally retired from active employment and, in his later years, spent most of his time planning, designing plans and overseeing many home projects as well as projects at the family property located off of LaGrange Road. There was nothing he enjoyed more than piddling with, repairing and operating his prize vehicle, his old Ford tractor. Leisure time during his employment years included spending time at his camp at Deer Park, La., engaging in various activities such as boating, fishing, gardening and fellowshipping with his friends and neighbors down at the Ole’ River camp.

His parents, one brother, Sydney Decatur Freeman, and stepfather, Mr. Henry Cater, preceded Mr. Freeman in death.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Anna Mae Maier Freeman of Natchez; two sons, Hugh J. “Winky” Freeman and his wife, Debbie, of Vicksburg and Ronald W. “Ronny” Freeman and his wife, Paula, of Madison; one daughter, Sandra Freeman Dunn and husband Terry of Natchez; and four beautiful granddaughters, Annabeth Freeman Wyatt and her husband, Matt, of Tupelo, Lana Claire Freeman of Oxford, and Carla Ann and Cami Dunn, both of Natchez. Stepgrandchildren, Mark Barber and wife Sylvia and their children Brenden and Gil of Orlando, Fla., Mike Barber of Victoria, Texas, and Gwyn Barber of Nashville, Tenn., also survive him.

Pallbearers will be C.M. Bass, Terry Dunn, Lester Freeman, Freddie Maier, Walter Maier and Ellis Pruden.

Honorary pallbearers are all members of the Hammack Sunday School class at First Baptist Church-Natchez.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Pleasant Acres Day School in Natchez.

The family gives special thanks to Hospice Ministries Inc., the Veterans Administration Hospital in Jackson and Ann Johnson of Crosby.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com