Mr. Ernest "Pokey" Freeman, Jr., 75, of Columbus, GA passed Thursday, April 14, 2022 in Columbus, GA.

Graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m. EST Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, AL with Dr. Verray Caldwell, Sr., officiating. Visitation is Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. EST.

On November 3, 1946, God planted a future soldier in his garden called life. God dictated the name Ernest into the minds of his parents, Ernest Freeman, Sr. and Leona Freeman. God knew Ernest from his mother's womb and the plans that he had for him.

In search of foundations, he could rely on, Pokey's parents sent him to school to gain personal knowledge that would last him for a lifetime. Pokey was educated in the Phenix City Public School System where he learned the basics of living and how to build a relationship with God and those that God would put in his path.

When Pokey first laid his eyes on a football and basketball he was in love with the game at an early age. Even though he was small and short he still wanted to be with the big boys to prove himself worthy. He worked hard at his games and it paid off. He was elected to the group known as "the football squad" and somehow he managed to get through some small holes on the field before he got smashed. He was also on the first track and field team for his school.

In the class of 1965, he was voted the most athletic and the neatest boy in his class and the sergeant at arms of his class.

He was very proud of his family especially his sister, Annie Dorothy Freeman, who was the little, short majorette that was always cutting up on the field and in the parades. He would almost always attend his nephew, Rod Ross football games when Carver High School was playing.

Pokey had a way that was mighty sweet when it came to small children. If you had a funny joke to tell, just tell Pokey and he would spread it all over town before the day was over. He just loved making people laugh. His wife stated that when Pokey came into her family's life, that everything change for the better. He showed them the true meaninig of love.

Pokey worked as a counselor at Turning Point now New Horizons and at the US Post Office. He joined the U.S. Army on August 5, 1966 and served on active duty until August 5, 1972. He achieved the rank of SGT (E5). He also earned the National Defense Service Conduct medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Sevice medal and the Army Good Conduct medal.

He loved to attend church services and his faith in God was strong.

He is preceded in death by his beloved father, Ernest Freeman, Sr.; mother, Leona Freeman and his younger brother.

He leaves to cherish his fondest memories, his lovely wife, Josie Kegler Freeman; three children, Christopher Freeman, Kieara Kegler and Tieara Stutson; two granchildren, Tyler and Damarion; sister, Annie D. (Dr. Verray, Sr.) Caldwell; mother-in-law, Mary Kegler and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.