Garfield "Pike" Freeman was born to Will and Toye Bell Freeman on March 25, 1925 in Newton, Georgia

During the early years of his life, he received his formal education in the Baker County School System.

He was united in holy matrimony to Mattie Eady.  Their union endured through the years and was blessed with thirteen children.  He was a devoted husband and father who remained constant in his efforts to provide and care for the needs of his family unconditionally.

Like many men of his generation, Garfield was an avid farmer and continued to share crop until the age of 85.   At that time, he was still able to use his farm equipment to plant gardens and rescue family, friends and strangers from being stuck in water-logged roads nearby.  Pike, as he was affectionately called, was a patient and humble man.  He was a problem solver; he was fair and honest in his dealing with others.  His work ethic, character, and dedication were second to none.    What Garfield was called to do in this lifetime, he has one it.  He fulfilled his duties as a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and as a friend and neighbor.  He fulfilled his moral obligation to the land, to the farm, to the animals and crops that he cared for and worked with, to his family, and to his community.

On Thursday, June 27, 2019, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Garfield was called from labor to reward. He was  preceded  in death by his parents, Will and Toye Bell Freeman; two daughters, Gladys Freeman and Annie L. Tomas; and two sons, Jessie W. Freeman and Garfield Freeman, Jr.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, a dedicated wife of seventy-four years, Mattie Freeman; nine children Jean F. Webb, Leona D. Laster, Bernice (Roosevelt) Scott, Israel (Daisy) Freeman, Johnny (Johnnie) Freeman, Larry Freeman, Dr. Mattie (Walter) Shiloh, Shirley (Vernon) Cook, and Retired Sgt. Phillip (Patricia) Freeman,  and a son-in-law, William Thomas, 23 grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, a special goddaughter/cousin. Shirley Gibson Burns and a special caregiver, Latoya White, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.