In a tragic incident, Nashville businessman and a treasured member of the community, William H. Freeman, popularly known as Bill Freeman, passed away on November 16, 2024. In a statement to Hendersonville Standard on November 18, Freeman’s son, the State Representative for Tennessee's 56th House District Bob Freeman, confirmed his father’s death. The statement said:
“I am sorry to share that my dad, William H. Freeman (Bill), has passed away. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, always putting others first.”
Bill Freeman, a real estate developer and a leading Democratic Party donor, was 73 years old.
Trigger Warning: This article mentions s*icide. Reader discretion is advised.
According to the Tennessean, Metro police spokesperson Don Aaron said law enforcement was called to Freeman's home on the night of November 16, 2024. Upon arrival, Bill Freeman was found dead. While the manner of death was undisclosed, Aaron said that Freeman's death is being investigated as a s*icide.
What we know of Bill Freeman as the community mourns his passing
Bill Freeman, a prolific Nashville businessman, was the chairman and co-founder of Freeman Webb Company, a real estate investment and management firm founded in 1979. Freeman was revered in the Nashville community for his philanthropic endeavors. Touching on his father's legacy, Bob Freeman said:
“For many years, Bill Freeman was a dedicated advocate for our city, state, and community. His passion for making Nashville a better place was evident in every part of his life. Fearless in sharing his opinions on the issues that mattered most, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him and to leave a lasting impact on our shared future.”
Freeman also ran for the mayor of Nashville in 2015. In a post of X, Mayor Freddie O'Connell paid tribute to the former mayoral candidate, saying:
"Tonight, we lost Bill Freeman. Bill was many things — real estate visionary, mayoral candidate, pilot, media magnate, staunch Democrat — and friend. Our city, state, and nation are better for his tenacity and commitment. We will miss him dearly, and my heart is with his family."
Freeman is survived by his wife of nearly fifty years, Babs, and his three sons, Bob, Harvey, and Mike. In a statement, Bob Freeman revealed Freeman met his wife Babs at elementary school in Donelson, Tennessee. He added:
“What started out as a childhood friendship with their meeting in elementary school in Donelson, Tennessee, soon blossomed into a lifelong love and, together, they built a rich life full of love, family, and memories. Their bond was a testament to the love and dedication that defined everything he did.”
Meanwhile, Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore extended his support to Freeman’s grieving family. Gore, who described the former mayoral candidate as a friend and a “giant” of Nashville, added:
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“He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his beloved wife Babs and his sons, Harvey, Mike, and State Rep. Bob Freeman."
The Nashville police have yet to disclose additional details about the incident.
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