Dr. Leroy Russell Freeman, Sr., passed away in Fort Worth, Texas, on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. A native Texan, he was born in Fort Worth on September 17, 1941, to Argus and Mildred Freeman. He graduated from Birdville High School in 1959, right across from the Dairy Queen where he enjoyed ice cream with his father and became an expert roller-skater. He then pursued Biochemistry, studying at Arlington State College, and completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Texas Wesleyan University where he met the love of his life, Lillian, in the biology lab he TA-ed. They quickly became engaged and married in 1964. They built their family not long after while he attended Baylor College of Dentistry where he graduated from, and then specialized in, Endodontics. He took his oath very seriously and lived by it, never turning a patient away. He became a highly skilled surgeon who practiced conservatively, providing excellent care, and prioritizing the health and well-being of each and every patient.

He will fondly be remembered as a strong, proud, gentle giant with a stubborn streak a mile wide. His life was centered on his family he so dearly loved. Through his many passions, he set an excellent example for his children and grandchildren and taught them many life lessons. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, gardener, mechanic and in his youth, even a drag racer. He had a big heart and dearly loved his animals; there was never a stray. He loved education, never missing an opportunity to expand another's knowledge. He served on the Slidell School Board and was the Area Chief of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Program where he was able to share his passion for the outdoors with countless Texans. He lived a life of service, serving as a Pastmaster in the Masonic Lodge and member of the Eastern Star. He was a devout Christian, Ordained Deacon in the Southern Baptist Church, and member of Plainview Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by and is now reunited with his parents and granddaughter Londyn Victoria Freeman as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. He is survived by his ever-faithful wife, Lillian, six children and 16 grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye: Leroy Russell "Rusty" Jr. (wife Michelle, daughters Lauren Parker-Tapia, Londyn and son Lathan), Loren Randol "Randy" (wife Diedra, daughter Loren and son Jacob, stepsons Cody Wyman (wife Rebekah), Christian Fulenwider, and stepdaughter Lynae Moody), Linnette Rebecca Johnson (husband Eric, sons Shelby and Warren), US Army Major Lance Ryan Sr. (wife Anna, daughter Lexi, son Lance Jr., and daughter Lillianna), Layne Ray (wife Samantha, daughters Savannah and Frankie), and Leslie Roy (wife Kimberly, sons Zachary, Keith, and Ben).

A visitation will be held at DeBerry Funeral Home in Denton, Texas, on January 19, 2023, from 5 – 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023, at the DeBerry Chapel at 1 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Plainview Baptist Church in Krum, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Bolivar Masonic Lodge No. 418 and/or Order of Eastern Star Chapter 1027 in Sanger, Texas.

Bolivar Masonic Lodge #418

Box 1283 Sanger, TX 76266