There is no individual in the history of Nashville to have accomplished more in the world of real estate, philanthropy and leadership than the late Bill Freeman, co-founder of Freeman Webb company.
Some may have accomplished more in one field or another, but not the combination of those three. Freeman died last week and is mourned across the country as his company was not relegated to properties in Tennessee. His domain extended across the Southeast with more than 18,000 apartment homes and 600-plus employees working in or on the company’s properties.
A native of Nashville, Donelson to be exact, Freeman was known for his philanthropy throughout that community and for years was an advocate of affordable housing. As recently as 2017, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) awarded Freeman Webb the National Accredited Organization Firm of the Year, the most prestigious honor bestowed in the field of property management.
His family noted Freeman was proud of the fact that he created a company that provided homes for working-class individuals and allowed hundreds of employees to enjoy stability in their work.
He shared his wealth with a number of nonprofit organizations such as the University of Tennessee Foundation, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum, the Sexual Assault Center, Tennessee State University Athletics, the Nashville Zoo, the Reno Air Racing Association, the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum, Shelters to Shutters, the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and One More Day on the Appalachian Trail.
Many who achieve financial success sit atop their throne and allow the nonprofits to kiss their rings while begging for money. This was certainly not the case with Freeman, who not only shared his wealth but his knowledge. He was an intellect so strong that he was asked more for his time and his experience – a more valuable commodity than his money.
He was heavily involved in politics and known nationally for his fundraising successes. He served several presidents in various positions and was appointed to the Kennedy Center Advisory Committee on the Arts. In 2022, was named to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
A staunch advocate of the First Amendment, Freeman realized the importance of free speech and founded FW Publishing, which became the media arm for numerous outlets and eventually acquired the Nashville Scene when it was in need of capital.
Recognized as more than a philanthropist, Freeman served on a staggering number of boards, giving freely of his brilliance and his leadership skills to the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, the Nashville Public Television Council, the Tennessee State University Foundation, the University of Tennessee Alumni board of directors, Davidson County Mental Health and Veterans Court Assistance Foundation, The Nashville Area YMCA, the Nashville Convention Center Commission, Nashville State Community College Foundation and Cumberland Heights Foundation Inc. Gov. Bill Haslam appointed Freeman to the Tennessee State University board of trustees.
As if the sacrifices he made serving on the countless number of boards was not enough, he ran for mayor of Nashville in 1975. A thankless job and well below his pay grade, he decided he could better serve his beloved community in other positions.
Of course, he was an alumnus of Leadership Nashville. He also was named “Man of the Year” by the Nashville area Junior Chamber of Commerce and “Father of the Year” by the American Diabetes Association.
There was no end to the contributions he made to the city, and it will be impossible to replace him. No individual could or would give so much of their lives to the enormous, diverse causes championed and treasured by Freeman.
“We met in 1975 when we were among a group of 18 Realtors who received the Nashville Board of Realtors Million Dollar Sales Award,” recalls Hal Rosson, one of the city’s cornerstone Realtors and longtime associate of Freeman. “When he and Jimmy Webb formed Freeman Webb in 1979, I joined them.
“He was the kindest, most-generous best friend anyone could ever have.”
To hear that from an associate of 45 years is the icing on the Freeman cake. Having known Rosson for all of those 45 years, I know these words were not simply a flowery tribute. Rosson has never had anything but praise for his friend, mentor and associate and joins the rest of the city in mourning this loss.
Freeman will be missed more than many will ever know.
Richard Courtney is a licensed real estate broker with Fridrich and Clark Realty, LLC and can be reached at [email protected].