Jimmy Dixon Freeland

Peacefully and surrounded by his family, including his dog Dixie, at his home in Graham, NC, Jimmy Dixon Freeland passed away after several years of declining health, on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at the age of 84.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Joyce Morris Freeland; daughter: Jennifer Freeland; grandchildren: Josie Crawford and Braden Crawford. He was preceded in death by his parents: Louis Green Freeland Sr. and Hazel Smith Freeland; brother Louis Green Freeland Jr. and twin brother Benjamin Craig Freeland.

Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Orange County, NC.  He attended Chapel Hill High School, where he played football his freshman year.

Jimmy was a veteran of the US Air Force.  Most of his time served was spent in England and Louisiana in the Security Division.

Jimmy was a very active member in the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  He loved cars and racing.  He loved the sport of drag racing and he and his buddies, Sam Carroll and Tony Dail, were always together at the track. Many of his friends referred to him as “Smokey.” Jimmy loved NASCAR and enjoyed watching anything on TV related to racing.

He was a master mechanic.  He owned and operated his own garage for 35 years, Freeland’s Garage.  General repair was done on most vehicles, but his specialty was the VW beetle bug.  He was known for the “fantastic Freeland rebuilt engine”. Jimmy said many times, “The weakest part of a car or truck is the nut holding the steering wheel.”

He owned several rental properties and eventually sold all and moved to the White Cross community where his wife grew up. His loving and generous heart left a beacon of light for all in the community.

Later in life Jimmy developed a passion for cooking, as did his brother Louis Jr.  He was teased for trading the car grease for pig grease.  He hosted many cracker stews for his so called “rooster” friends, as well as many gatherings inviting community friends.  Jimmy was a person who did things for others, never expecting anything in return.

Jimmy loved his grandchildren and hopes they will have many fond memories of him such as learning to drive the Mule and his underaged driving lessons in his Civic on Gold Mine Loop Road.

Visitation will be held at 3:00pm, on Monday, April 11. Funeral service will be held immediately afterwards at 4:00pm at Antioch Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill, NC.  Graveside service will be held following the funeral at Clover Garden United Methodist Church, 2757 Orange Chapel Clover Garden Rd, Chapel Hill, NC.

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