Mr. Jeffrey Craig Freeman

Jeffrey Craig Freeman, 87, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina. Born on October 3, 1938, in New York, New York, Jeff grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne Freeman Boyer and Donald Matthews Freeman, both of Wells, Maine and longtime residents of Greenwich themselves. Jeff was a proud graduate of both The Hill School (’56) and Williams College (’60), both of which he loved immensely. He made lifelong friends at these schools, and he enjoyed keeping in touch with all of them. Rarely did he ever miss a class reunion. He enjoyed a long and successful career in sales throughout the country, working with various companies such as Pitney Bowes, Magnavox, and Diebold. Jeff moved with his family to Columbia, S.C. in 1974 where he lived for the next 40 years, taking an active role in the community and joining Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon. During that time, Jeff’s career path shifted to selling both residential and commercial real estate, where he worked for the Bollin Company, Edens Avant, and Colliers Keenan. He happily celebrated his retirement in 2005. Athletics played an important role in Jeff’s life, both as a participant in high school and college, where he played both football and baseball. He especially loved golf. Even though a lifelong quest to lower his handicap never fully materialized, he never lost any love for the game and would eagerly hit the links any chance he could. Jeff also had a deep love for travel and never passed up an opportunity to tell anyone of his deep family connections to Connecticut, Maine and Scotland, all of which captured his heart and imagination. In retirement, he was able to spend considerable time in Hilton Head, S.C. and also Castine, Maine. It was one of his favorite places to visit. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Craig Freeman, Jr. (Felicia) and Randall Matthews Freeman (Lindy); his sister, Jeanie Freeman Small; and his brother, Donald Matthews Freeman, Jr. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Jeffrey Craig Freeman, III, Connor James Freeman, Olivia Plowden Freeman, Parker Blaisdell Freeman, and John Gabriel Freeman, each of whom brought him immense joy. Above all else, Jeff will be remembered for his warm, gregarious nature, laughter, and his devotion to his family and friends. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and with his family he so deeply loved. The family will host a visitation on Friday, January 9th, from 4-6 o’clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd Ext, Columbia, SC 29223.

Tributes

Mr. Jeffrey Craig Freeman

October 3, 1938 - January 1, 2026