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A resolution honoring the life of Bill Freeman and recognizing him for his contributions to Nashville and the greater community.
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WHEREAS, Nashville community leader Bill Freeman died on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, Bill grew up in Donelson and attended the Peabody Demonstration School, now known as the University School of Nashville, and the University of Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Bill began working for the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency before meeting Jimmy Webb through the Nashville Junior Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, in 1979, Bill and Jimmy founded Freeman Webb Company, which has grown to own or manage 18,000 relatively low-cost apartment homes and approximately 11 million square feet of office and residential space; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, Bill and Jimmy opened Freeman Webb’s new headquarters, which was the first GOLD LEED-certified building in Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Bill was passionate about politics, serving as a major donor and bundler for local, state, and federal Democratic candidates; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, Bill ran for mayor on a platform of supporting public education, investing in transit, and increasing housing; and
WHEREAS, Bill was able to combine his experience as a pilot and his love of public service as a member of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, where he served from 2016 until earlier this year; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, Bill and Jimmy founded FW Publishing, which purchased publications including the Nashville Scene, for which Bill frequently wrote commentary; and
WHEREAS, Bill served the Nashville community in many ways, including as a member of the boards of the Nashville Davidson County Mental Health and Veterans Assistance Foundation, the Tennessee State University, the Nashville Area YMCA, the Nashville Public Television Council, and the Nashville State Community College Foundation; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, Bill was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Kennedy Center Advisory Committee on the Arts and, in 2022, he was appointed by President Joe Biden to the J. William Fulbright Scholarship Awards board; and
WHEREAS, Bill enjoyed flying, hunting, and racing at the Fairgrounds Speedway; and
WHEREAS, Bill acted selflessly and almost always anonymously to help individuals and groups in need; and
WHEREAS, Bill set an example for our community to fight for each other and our values and to provide for each other to our greatest abilities; and
WHEREAS, Bill is survived by his wife, Babs, sons Bob, Harvey, and Mike, and six grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council joins with the Nashville community in mourning the loss of Bill Freeman.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of Bill Freeman and recognizing him for his service to Nashville and Davidson County. He leaves behind an indelible legacy of wisdom, kindness, and commitment to helping others.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.