Ray Freeman, 80, of Sweet Home, died Sunday. He was born to Ray Sr and Ethel (Mann) Freeman in Vesta, Washington.

Ray spent his early years in the logging camp of Brooklyn, Washington working for Saginaw Lumber Co. He left in January of 1944 to join the Navy, where he served on the USS Felspar in the Asiatic Pacific. He received an honorable discharge in August of 1947.

He returned to Sweet Home to work in the logging industry. He also helped in the construction of the Green Peter Dam. After being injured in the woods, he managed the Sweet Home and Toledo Elks Lodges until his retirement. Ray received the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior before he passed away.

The Freeman family would like to give a special thanks to Dawn Valloni, who cared for Ray throughout his stay with his son, Ron. You were a blessing from God, Dawn. They also would like to thank the caregivers from Evergreen Hospice. You ladies are wonderful. Thank you all for your help.

Ray is survived by sons, Ray Freeman of Junction City, Ron and Larry of Sweet Home, Jeff of Portland, and Mike of Los Angeles, California; and sister, Lois Carr of Sweet Home.

He was preceded in death by wife, Betty Freeman; brothers, Bob Beers, Jerry Freeman, and George Freeman; son, Pat Freeman; and parents, Ray and Ethel Freeman.

There will be a private family interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Evergreen Hospice. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel will be handling the arrangements.