Athens, Alabama - Freeman Malone Jr., 79, of Athens, Alabama, departed his earthly home and went to rest in the arms of Jesus on December 23. Freeman was born June 5, 1940 in Athens, Alabama, to Freeman Sr. and Cora Malone. He had a total of 14 siblings, four of which preceded him in death. The Malone family was founded by faith, bound by love, and kept by God.

Freeman received his formal education from Trinity High School and was a proud graduate of the class of '59. Soon after graduating, he met his lovely wife-to-be, Mary Helen, at a gospel meeting. After a short period of dating, the two lovebirds united in holy matrimony in 1961. They were happily married for a wonderful 38 years before Mary Helen passed away. This union brought about five children, Leticia, John Sr., Bryant, Tyrone, and Jerome Sr., who blended their mother's poetic creativity with their father's love for God's Word to create memorable Bible lessons and sermons and to sing while sometimes writing countless child and adult songs that would bless many generations. From "Every Child is Known" to "Jesus is More," "The Blood," "Our God He Is Alive" and "Sunday Morning," the offspring of Freeman and Mary Helen sought to bring God's word to life with poetic flavor.

For many years, Freeman diligently worked as a Draftsman for NASA until he retired at the age of 50. While being a full-time employee, he served as the Assistant Minister of Lucas Street Church of Christ (Athens, Alabama). Once he left the work at Lucas Street, he became the Minister at Northside Church of Christ (Center Star, Alabama). From there, he took on the work as Minister for the Southside Church of Christ (Rogersville, Alabama).

For more than 40 years at Southside, he sought to revive, develop, and grow the Lord's church locally in order to bless the Lord's church globally. He was one who poured his heart into his sermons that stood firmly on God's word while implementing life application. Whether he was "parking there to preach awhile" to make you "listen, listen, listen" or driving home a point that ended with "no, no, no, DEAR," he made sure he planted the word of God in the hearts of many. While at Southside, he pushed others to be better; exemplified what it meant to have a giving spirit; encouraged people to preach nothing but God's truth; cheered singing groups on as they rendered many a selection; taught lessons meant to impact many generations; and showed love to all mankind.

If there were ever a life that reflected the reliable, passionate, and generous nature of God, it would be Freeman's. He was the kind of husband, father, friend, and brother who left us all wanting to be and do better. His giving and welcoming spirit left many inspired and in awe of the work of the Father in his life. If Freeman could share a few words today with his children, extended family, friends and the church, it would be to "stick together, stick together" as tears rolled down his age-worn face. He would encourage you to live a life that is pleasing to God and aligns with His word, while remaining faithful to death.

Freeman was preceded in death by his parents Freeman Sr. and Cora; his siblings Odell, Donald, Melissa and Clarence; and his wife Mary Helen. He is survived by his children Leticia, John Sr. (Virginia), Bryant (Juana), Tyrone and Jerome Sr. (Tiffany); special cousins Almeta and Bill Davis; a loving and devoted friend Belinda Williams; 15 grandchildren, Quanecia, Monique, Corey, Karizma (Brian), John Jr. (Lydia), Jasmin, Janae, Taylor (Lamar), Chandler (Frank), Kennedy, Khelari, Tabryn, Malaya, Janaya and Jerome Jr.; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; 10 siblings, Deotis, Stella, Dorothy, Nina, Richard, Thomas, Lester, Gertrude, Sylvester and Marvin; and many caring and devoted in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Public viewing will be held 1-7 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2019, and 8:30-10 a.m., Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Royal Funeral Home-Mason Chapel (718 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL 35611). Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, December 28, at Athens Elementary School Auditorium (601 Clinton Street, Athens, AL 35611). Bro. Malone will lie in repose two hours prior to the service in the auditorium. Royal Funeral Home-Mason Chapel, directing.