Charles Hary Freer

Charles H. Freer, 88, departed this life on December 23, 2009 at his home in Atlanta. His passing came one day before he and his beloved Marjorie would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Chuck Freer was born April 7, 1921, the son of a career Army medical officer. He was educated at the University of the South and commissioned as a Naval Aviator during World War II. A fighter pilot, he flew 90 combat missions from the aircraft carrier St. Lo, which was sunk while he was on a mission in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He was able to land his plane in an area of the Philippines held by the Allies, and returned home safely. He was a war hero, and was awarded nine Distinguished Flying Crosses and 11 Air Medals. He served as a Naval officer for 22 years, and retired at the rank of Commander in 1964. His memoir, The Promise Aloft, privately published in 2003, detailed his remarkable military life. Cdr. Freer then embarked on his second career - as a tennis teacher and high school tennis coach at the Francis Parker School in San Diego. His teams competed impressively, but Chuck made his true mark as a role model for his players and, in fact, for all he met. He engaged everyone with his quick wit, smile, and optimistic outlook. He approached each day as a gift from God, and was incapable of complaining. He encouraged everyone he met, and taught honesty and character by the way he lived his life. As a testament to these qualities, the sportsmanship award at Francis Parker bears his name. Chuck and Marjorie made their home in San Diego for nearly 50 years, before moving to an assisted living facility in Atlanta in 2007, to be closer to family. In San Diego, they were members of All Souls Episcopal Church. In Atlanta, Chuck was a member of the Businessmen's Bible Class at Briarlake Baptist Church. Cdr. Freer is survived by his and Marjorie's two sons, Douglas Freer of Denver and Richard Freer of Atlanta, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Family and friends will celebrate Chuck's extraordinary life and impact with a memorial service on Tuesday, December 29th at 3:30 P.M. at A. S. Turner & Sons in Decatur, Georgia. A second service will be held in San Diego at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Francis Parker School in San Diego.