Charles H. 'Rudy' Free

Charles H. "Rudy" Free, age 73 of Gainesville, left this earthly life to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, April 11, 2013. Rudy was born November 25, 1939 in Gainesville, Georgia to the late James Ransom Free and Lottie Dyer Free.


Rudy fought a very long and gallant battle with cancer. He married the love of his life JoAnne Mize on November 12, 1959. They were married 53 wonderful years. To this union they added three wonderful sons, Tim and Pamela Free of Gillsville, Todd and Tammy Free of Gainesville, Mike and Lynn Free of Albuquerque, NM. Five grandchildren, Zack and Haley Free of Cleveland, Hayley Free of Habersham, Caleigh Free and Lydia Free, both of Albuquerque, NM, Baylee Free of Gainesville and one great-grandchild, Rylee Harrison of Habersham. Also surviving two sisters, Helen Fowler and Jan Crowe and one brother, Johnny Free. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James Free and Michael Free and one sister, Phyllis Free Millwood. He had a host of nieces, special nieces, Donna & Renee Fowler, nephews and cousins. As well as his favorite sidekick and pal who will miss him terribly, Bunji his dog. Rudy worked at New Holland Mill for 47 years. Since retiring he has enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Zack and Haley Free. Rudy was a member of New Haven Congregational Holiness Church. He was a great example and role model of a Christian Man. Everyone who met him loved him and he will be greatly missed.


Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Wayne Hicks will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 12, 2013 from 3