John Lee Freeman

John Lee Freeman, 88, of Harrisburg, North Carolina passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024.  John was born January 1, 1936 in Edneyville, NC to the late Walter Lee Freeman and the late Ida Barnwell Freeman. He was married for 63 years to his loving wife Dolores Greig Freeman. John was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. 

He attended NC State University and received a bachelor's degree in Ceramic Engineering in 1957.  John graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of Theta Tau and Army ROTC.   After graduating he served in the United States Army and Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery until 1965.  He began his engineering career at Harbison-Walker Refractories in Pittsburgh, PA.  In 1970 he founded Cer-Met, Inc. in Charlotte, NC to sell and install refractory materials in the southeastern US and help establish the South’s growing steel industry. He remained the owner and president until the time of his passing. 

John was inducted into the inaugural class of the Materials Science and Engineering Hall of Fame at NC State in 2015.  He also served on the Materials Science and Engineering External Advisory Board and the NC State Engineering Foundation Board of Directors.  John and Dolores endowed the Walter and Ida Freeman Distinguished Professorship to attract or retain renowned researchers in the MSE department.

John and Dolores were long-time members of All Saints Episcopal Church in Charlotte NC where John served many years as a volunteer on the Mission Committee and coordinating church fundraisers.

John’s life began in a log cabin near Clear Creek in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the Great Depression.  To support the family his mother wove Appalachian looper rugs and his father grew apples.  John’s upbringing taught him the value of hard work and perseverance, the family eventually owned a large orchard and packing house by the time John left for college.  He strongly believed in helping others with the fruits of his labors and made many philanthropic contributions throughout his life.

John enjoyed gardening, playing golf, travelling and fishing and boating at their house on Lake Tillery.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren especially on their annual family beach vacation.

Survivors include wife, Dolores Freeman of Harrisburg, NC, daughter, Karen (John) Bisi of Apex, NC.; son, John Freeman (Michelle Mastenbrook) of Charlotte, NC.; grandchildren, Alex (Anna) Bisi ; Lauren Bisi; great-grandson, John Michael Bisi; sisters, Elizabeth Enloe, Patricia Freeman (Chip Webster); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by sister, Jean Freeman Lancaster.

The family will hold a memorial service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edneyville, NC at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1669 St. Paul’s Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Freeman family.