It is with deep sorrow, and a beautiful opportunity to celebrate a life well-lived, that we share the passing of Douglas Lee Freeman Senior, known by many who loved him as Doug. He peacefully left this world on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at his Jacksonville, NC home only to ascend to meet his Maker and to join the love of his life.

Born on July 5, 1949 in Washington, D.C., his family re-located to Jacksonville, NC where he spent most of his life. Upon completing his education at Jacksonville High School, Doug went on to complete a degree in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Wesleyan University. As a servant leader who loved the Onslow County community, he thrived in a 40 plus year career as a Major of Detectives at the Onslow County Sheriff's Department, NC Marine Fisheries Administrator, Sergeant at the UNCW Police Department and finally as the Under-Sheriff to the Onslow County Sheriff as he oversaw the completion of the Onslow County Sheriff's Department and Jail.

Douglas Lee Freeman Senior was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son and brother. He is survived by his two children, Lesley Freeman Eason and husband Bob; and Douglas Lee Freeman Jr. and wife Shari. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Robert Malcolm Eason III and wife Macey, Douglas Gage Eason and wife Haven, Christina Lynn Allen and husband Trent, and Douglas Lee Freeman III. He found great joy in his first great grandchild, Ellis Robert Eason and relished the thoughts of meeting his first great granddaughter, Reese Ann Eason due September 2025. Doug is also survived by his older brother Randall Walter Freeman and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Janet Lynn Flowers Freeman as well as his mother and father, Ralph and Hazel Freeman.

Doug Freeman was a respected and well-loved, larger than life role model. He took tremendous pride in serving the community as 701, enjoyed a great cup of coffee and was excited for one-on-one conversations with the people he loved most. He was a dedicated caregiver to Lynn when she needed him most and thrived in the lives of his family. Douglas Lee Freeman Senior was a skilled and decorated investigator but will be

most remembered for the beautiful family that he quietly and lovingly cared for throughout the entirety of his life.

Doug's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM and the Celebratory Service at 2:00 PM.