Joe Clinton Freeland, 78, of Keysville, departed this life on Wednesday, July 29, 2015. He was born in Hall County, GA, and grew up in the counties surrounding Atlanta. He farmed and helped his dad work on cars, trucks, farm machinery, etc. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Georgia Air National Guard. Fourteen months later he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for a four-year tour. After completing Jet Mechanics School, he was assigned to a fighter/bomber squadron. This took him to 15 countries and 40 states in those four years before he was honorably discharged.

Mr. Freeland worked for Santa Fe Railroad while attending night school. After graduating in May 1971, he took a job in August of that year as one of the charter faculty members of SVCC’s new John H. Daniel campus. After teaching over 3,000 students in the automotive program for 33 years, he retired in 2004.

He was an active member in the community ever since he and his family moved to Virginia from Texas. His commitments included the Ruritans, American Legion Post 260, Charlotte County Meals on Wheels, local sports, and his role as Santa for many years at the annual Keysville Christmas Parade and other events. He touched many lives and will be missed by all.

Mr. Freeland leaves to cherish his memory, his devoting children, son, Joe (Alison); daughters, Christine and Katrina; his grandchildren, Nathaniel and Conner; three brothers, Jerry, Billy, and Jeffrey; sister, Juanita; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ethel Freeland, his loving wife, Christine, and brothers, Wilburne and Charles.

A funeral service was held Saturday, August 1, at Browning Funeral Home chapel with a family interment at Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Keysville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Keysville Volunteer Fire Department, or Charlotte County Meals on Wheels.

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, was in charge of arrangements.