Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Charles “Maceo” Freeman III

11/17/1954 - 7/10/2025

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Obituary For Mr. Charles “Maceo” Freeman III

Mr. Charles “Maceo” Freeman, III, age 70, of Fayetteville, WV passed away in the early morning hours on Thursday, July 10. 2025.

Charles was born on November 17, 1954 in Oak Hill, WV.

Charles was the eldest son of the late Charles Freeman II and Willie Mae (Thomas) Freeman.

And so, his journey begins:
Charles’ passion for music began in junior high school when he joined the band at Collins High School in Oak Hill, WV. A saxophonist was born. He enjoyed waking his siblings up with the military reveille of sharp notes and flowing arpeggio, without invitation. He was part of the marching and concert band under the direction of Mr. James Tully. He graduated from Collins High School in 1974 and attended West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery, WV. He sang with the West Virginia Tech Collegiate Gospel Choir under the direction of Ethel Caffee, Minister of Music for the Church of God in Christ the state of WV.

Charles was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He went on to become a certified teacher. He worked a short time teaching Music for Fayette County and substitute teaching in Monongalia County.

Charles accepted Christ under the ministry of Bishop William L. Washington in April of 1977. From 1978-1980, he traveled with the James Nance Ministries in full-time evangelism. He also traveled with Bishop Kenneth Bacon in ministry. Charles had the heart of an evangelist and was instrumental in many coming to Christ. He loved people. He was willing to give of himself and was generous to all. He was a help to many. His dad would always say he would tackle a man down to talk to him. He was a comedian, making people laugh, although his delivery was the corniest of corny. Laughter is good like a medicine and Charles was a full-time pharmacist.

Charles, though, had another passion that he fulfilled in construction. In fact, he spent most of his working career in construction, eventually becoming an independent contractor. He was well-known for his masonry and drywalling skills. He worked on many construction projects throughout his lifetime.

Charles, however, never lost his passion for music and the saxophone. He was invited to many local churches and other venues to share his love of music. He was a songwriter, a keyboardist, pianist and flutist.

Charles enjoyed working with his hands. He was a great cook and loved experimenting in the kitchen. He would say, “I’m going to make a pie today.” And before, he was done, he would have not only baked a delicious pie, but have created a culinary delight, whether it was a savory stir fry, flaky fish, homemade pizza that was appealing hot or cold. The kitchen would be a disaster when it was all done, but he cooked with love and a desire to please all the palates in the house.

Charles was a man of great passion: passion for music, the creativity of lyrics and notes that flow together, invoking the soul to the last lingering note; the passion of food, mixing ingredients creatively to feed the body and the soul, satisfying on all levels; and perhaps his greatest passion of all, a passion for Christ, building solid foundations with his hands, brick by brick, musical note by note, drawing people in to His light.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Mae Freeman and Charles Freeman II and brothers, Yauncey Freeman, David C. Freeman, and Quentin Freeman.

Charles is survived by his children: sons, Charles Freeman IV, Chrislon Freeman (Kimberly), and Charaud Freeman, all Greensboro, NC, Nie’gel Freeman and Nie’siah Freeman, both Fayetteville, WV; daughters, Dr. Chara Freeman, MD of Charlotte, NC and Nie’layhia Freeman of Fayetteville, WV; grandchildren: grandsons, Noah Freeman-Adghoghi and Nori Freeman-Adghoghi, both of Charlotte, NC and granddaughters Nahla Freeman-Adghoghi, of Charlotte, NC and Krislyn Freeman of Greensboro, NC; brothers: Bryon Freeman of Oak Hill, WV and James Freeman of Jacksonville, FL; sisters: Wauketa Okoli of Mt. Hope, WV, Sancerria Freeman Carroll, Aleta Freeman, Yolanda Freeman, and Bettina Freeman, all of Fayetteville, WV; paternal aunt, Alma Fleming, Mt. Hope, WV and maternal uncle, Ernest Thomas of Akron, OH and maternal aunts, Annie Mitchell of Jacksonville, FL and Brenda Thomas of Oak Hill, WV and a host of relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Fayetteville Christ Fellowship 2855 Maple Ave. Fayetteville with Bishop William Washington and Pastor Bryan Freeman officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Tributes

Regina G Ferrell sent Beautiful Dreams for Mr. Charles “Maceo” Freeman III - 07/19/2025

Please accept my condolences, my heart is with you today. Regina

Condolences

07/19/2025

Marie Mason

Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength during this incredibly difficult time. Marie Mason🙏🎷🎹🎶🎵🎤
07/18/2025

Otis & Patricia (Nelson) Matthews

Condolences to the Freeman family. Charles "Maceo" was a gifted & anointed musician. We shared band at Collins High School and at WV Tech.
07/18/2025

Rev. Dr. Carolyn Bailey Lewis

May God grant you peace that passes all understanding in the loss of Maceo. He was one of the nicest young men I had ever met. Prayers to his children and family. Rev. Dr. Carolyn Bailey Lewis
07/18/2025

Ted and Billie Green

Praying for your family Charles was a very kind. Person.
07/18/2025

Eartha Bradford

Pastor C-Ray and Brenda: May you and your family find comfort and peace during the loss of your loved one. I will be praying for you all. Love you both, Eartha
07/17/2025

Drema Hymon

Maceo, one of a kind. Talented, friendly, smart, and always pursuing God. I am grateful to have known such a wonderful man and shared laughter, friendship, and prayers. You will be missed more than words can express. May God comfort your family during this time. Drema
07/17/2025

Randy Butcher

Charles and I went to WVIT together. He was talented, fun to be with, and "cool". The world was a better place with him in it and the heavenly band added one of the best.
07/17/2025

Diana carson ( nae)

May GOD KEEP YOU ALL in his blessed hands .. mase will be forever in my heart ❤️ such a good guy .. take your rest now.. Love nay ❤️
07/16/2025

Linda DeBord

So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you in the days ahead.
07/16/2025

Yolanda Gill

Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength during this incredibly difficult time. --Yolanda Watson Gill "B"
07/15/2025

Rev Steven J Lewis

God bless the Freeman's family. My niece and nephews. Steven J. Lewis
07/14/2025

Pastor Clay