NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville business mogul Bill Freeman has died. Freeman was a major Nashville real estate developer and Democratic fundraiser.
He was 73.
Bill Freeman's son, Rep. Bob Freeman, confirmed that his father passed away Sunday night. Metro Police are investigating Freeman’s death as a suicide.
Freeman leaves behind a lasting legacy with many attributing some of Nashville's growth in commercial real estate and business with Freeman Webb Company.
He was a native of Nashville. Before launching his own companies, Freeman worked at Metro Development and Housing. Throughout his tenure in politics, he raised money for Tennessee candidates running for office and those across the southeast.
Notably, Freeman raised money for former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden.
Freeman also served as a member of the White House Historical Association and was a treasurer of the Tennessee Democratic Party in 2009. He ran for Nashville mayor in 2015, coming in third place before the runoff.
Nashville leaders send a condolence
Current Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell shared a statement about Freeman on X saying, "Tonight, we lost Bill Freeman. Bill was many things — real estate visionary, mayoral candidate, pilot, media magnate, staunch Democrat — and friend. Our city, state, and nation are better for his tenacity and commitment. We will miss him dearly, and my heart is with his family.”
Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk shared a statement as well saying, “Bill Freeman was a friend to all of Nashville. He worked hard to give the working men and women of this community better living standards from housing to wages. We are a better city because of Bill Freeman.”
In Memory of Bill Freeman
— Fly Nashville (@Fly_Nashville) November 18, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we reflect on the life and legacy of our esteemed Board of Commissioner and former Board Chair, Bill Freeman. Thank you, Commissioner Freeman for your leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to excellence. pic.twitter.com/XYXYXeWL7I
Former Vice President Al Gore released a statement saying part that "Nashville lost one of its kindest and most dedicated champions".
Yesterday, Nashville lost one of its kindest and most dedicated champions. Bill Freeman was a giant in our city, known as much for his role in helping Nashville grow as he was for his commitment to ensuring that all of its residents could thrive. Bill always sought out new ideas…
— Al Gore (@algore) November 18, 2024
Freeman is survived by his wife and three sons.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at tony.sloan@newschannel5.com.
There are still so many families in East Tennessee hurting following the floods from Hurricane Helene in September. That made this year's running of the Santa Train extra special for many families in the northeast part of the state. This special Santa Express has been making an annual run in part of Appalachia for over 80 years.
-Lelan Statom
