Captain John W. "Pete" Freeman, Sr., 88, died September 14, 2017 when the wind of God peacefully called him home.  A native of Poquoson, Virginia, Pete had been a   resident of Hampton for the past 53 years.   He proudly served in the Merchant Marines in World War II, and received his Engineering degree from Westinghouse.  He was a Machine Specialist and Pipefitter at Newport News Shipbuilding for many years.  A life well lived that impacted many throughout his lifetime, Pete served the community as President of the Virginia Working Waterman's Association for many years, as Associate Commissioner on the VMRC Boards of Virginia and Maryland, Chesapeake Clean Up Board, numerous State advisory boards, and President of the Waterman's Museum.
Throughout his many accomplishments in life, his passion was working on the water, of which he was a successful, strong, knowledgeable, and hardworking business man.  In the broad spectrum as an inland waterman, crabbing was his favorite.  A humble and wise man, he was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful friend.   Pete was an ordained Deacon at Memorial Baptist Church;  served for many years in missions, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Alise H. Freeman, two daughters, Linda F. Ryan of Seaford, and Denise D. Harris of Williamsburg; four sons, James E. Harris of Danville, John W. Freeman, Jr., (deceased), Robert L. Freeman of Hampton, and Thomas N. Freeman, Sr. of Hampton, four grandchildren, Meghan E. Harris of Houston, Texas, Evan M. Harris of Williamsburg, Thomas N. (TJ) Freeman of Newport News, and Matthew J. Freeman of Hampton, one great-granddaughter, Makenzie R. Freeman, a sister,  Virginia F. Wilson of Tabb, a brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Bob) and Debi Huffman of Mt. Airy Virginia,  and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 5-7:30 PM.  A funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Terry W. Spencer at Memorial Baptist Church, Hampton on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 2 PM with interment at Parklawn Memorial Park.
Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton, 757-723-3191.