Michael S. " Mike " Freeman, II

Michael “Mike” Steven Freeman, II, 73 of Summerville, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Born on February 14,1949 in Bloomington, IN, he was the oldest son of the late Helen Irene Cantrell Laymon and John E. Freeman. Mike was a proud Navy Veteran and retiree. His love for the Military and Country came second to his love of his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and his wife of 45 years.

Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March of 1969 and served multiple tours in Vietnam. During his tours in Vietnam, he earned the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal with one bronze star and multiple Good Conduct medals. After his service in Vietnam, he worked as a recruiter and then aboard destroyers as an Electrician primarily in engine rooms.  He also served in the Persian Gulf war aboard the USS Nicholson. He was extremely proud of his military service, especially during wartime. Sr. Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) Michael S. Freeman II retired from the Navy in March of 1989. After retiring from the Navy, Mike worked as an electrician for Gregory Electric, CR Bard, and Morco Refrigeration before finally truly retiring a second time. Mike was a proud member of the VFW and American Legion. 

Mike’s real passion was his family. Mike and Terry were married May 14, 1977 in Plainville, Massachusetts. During their 45 yearlong marriage, they traveled to six different duty stations before Mike retired and chose to make their home in Summerville, South Carolina. When he wasn’t working and after his retirement, Mike could be found enjoying outdoor activities. He loved the water, fishing, and hunting. When he was at home, he loved to play board games, especially cribbage and chess. He enjoyed telling stories about his life and spending time with his family and friends. He kept pictures of his family with him and would brag about them to his friends and any others that would listen. 

Although fiercely stubborn, he had a loving heart for both people and animals. Any animal or person in need could find a friend in Mike. He brought home strays and people that were down on their luck. He would give away any possession to anyone who wanted or needed it. Once he decided something, though, he was fiercely stubborn and would fight for what he thought, even when he was wrong. That spirit endeared him to friends and family.

Michael is preceded in death by John E. Freeman, Helene Irene Cantrell Laymon, Kathleen Nance, and Dennis E. Freeman.

Michael is survived by his wife, Theresa “Terry” Freeman of Summerville, daughters, Suzanne Scott (Jason) and Kimberly Freeman (Richard Chapman), son, Michael S. Freeman US Navy Veteran (Kathleen), Grandchildren, Hunter M. Scott, Sierra N. Scott, Zachary R. Freeman (US Navy Active duty), Ashley S. Freeman, and Liesel “Elsie” Freeman, brothers Jeremiah “Jerry” Freeman and Robert “Bobby”  Laymon. 

The service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 11, 2022 at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC with the burial following at Plantation Memorial Gardens, 2847 S Live Oak Dr., Moncks Corner, SC. 

A reception will be held after the burial at the Goose Creek Masonic Lodge, 145 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an organization assisting veterans and their families or the Alzheimer’s Association (http://www.act.alz.org). 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - Goose Creek, 869 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.