Charles David “Buddy” Freeman passed away on Feb. 21, 2014, at River Region Medical Center in Vicksburg. He was 68 years old.

He was born in Natchez, and resided in Vicksburg for nearly 35 years.

He received his Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University with a major in general business and minors in accounting, marketing, and insurance in 1967. He received his master’s in social work from Tulane University in 1973.

He was a 20-year veteran, having served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and the Mississippi Army National Guard. His rank at retirement was colonel. He served as a social work officer, personnel programs management staff, and equal opportunity officer. He retired as a social worker from the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery VA Medical Center after 21 years.

He was an avid deer hunter, fisherman, enjoyed video poker, and was a silver life master at bridge.  He was known and respected throughout the area for his ability to play a bridge hand.  He was also much appreciated for his mentoring of those who were hoping to improve their game.  The bridge community will greatly miss him and will not soon forget him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Annie Freeman of Natchez.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Colleen Cunning Freeman of Vicksburg; son, Jason L. Freeman of Vicksburg; daughter, Heather L. Freeman of Jackson; sister, Norma Jane Cocilova (Nick) of Vicksburg; nephew, Ronald Cocilova of Vicksburg; and great-niece, Megan Cocilova of Texas; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, at Riles Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to one of following: Salvation Army, 530 Mission 66 Vicksburg, MS 39181, mail P.O. Box 1166, 39181, (601) 636-2706 (601) 636-2736 fax. https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=207#tribute. Wounded Warrior Project 3343 Peachtree Road, NE #M20, Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 974-9234 (404) 467-0573, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=676&campaignSource=CDRO&source=BS13044. Vicksburg Warren Humane Society 6600 U.S. Highway 61 South Vicksburg, MS 39180 (601) 636-6631.