William H. Freeman (Bill), entrepreneur, community leader, and one-time mayoral candidate passed away on Sunday, November 17, by suicide.
“Bill was many things—real estate visionary, mayoral candidate, pilot, media magnate, staunch Democrat—and friend,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “Our city, state, and nation are better for his tenacity and commitment. We will miss him dearly, and my heart is with his family.”
“Nashville lost one of its kindest and most dedicated champions,” said former Vice President Al Gore. “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 and knowledge in his pursuit of a better future for his community—one of the traits that made him such an important leader in our local media landscape. I was lucky enough to see that curiosity firsthand when he and his son Bob joined me on a trip to Antarctica to better understand the impacts of the climate crisis. He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his beloved wife, Babs, and his sons, Harvey, Mike and State Rep. Bob Freeman.”
Bill served as chairman of Freeman Webb Inc., a real estate investment, management, and brokerage company he co-founded with Jimmy Webb in 1979 until October of last year when his son, Rep. Bob Freeman took over.
Freeman Webb is the largest Tennessee-based owner/manager of multi-family and commercial properties, recognized by local and national associations for their community and industry leadership. The company also owns the publications Nashville Scene, Nashville Post and Nfocus.
Prior to founding Freeman Webb, Bill was the director of Downtown Urban Development for the Metropolitan Nashville Development and Housing Agency (MDHA).
Bill’s son, state Sen. Bob Freeman released the following statement:
“I am sorry to share that my dad, William H. Freeman (Bill), has passed away. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, always putting others first. He and his dear friend, Jimmy Webb, started Freeman Webb Company in 1979, and they grew it from one apartment community to over 18,000 units that are managed today. Dad treated everyone on his team like family and loved seeing everyone succeed. He enjoyed sharing how we still have our first hired employee working with the company to this day.
“For many years, Bill Freeman was a dedicated advocate for our city, state, and community. His passion for making Nashville a better place was evident in every part of his life. Fearless in sharing his opinions on the issues that mattered most, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him and to leave a lasting impact on our shared future.
“Bill was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party, offering both financial support and public advocacy. He was the largest Democratic fundraiser in Tennessee and contributed substantially to candidates at the national, state and local levels. In 2016, President Obama appointed him to the Kennedy Center Advisory Committee on the Arts, and in 2022, President Biden appointed him to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
“As well as co-founding Freeman Webb Company, he and Jimmy Webb started FW Publishing in 2018, with the purchase of the Nashville Scene, Nashville Post, Nfocus magazine, and The Green Hills News. In addition to these accomplishments, Dad was also an avid pilot and served as a past chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. A long-time mason, he served as a past master of Corinthian Masonic Lodge #8 and last year was bestowed the highest honor of 33rd Degree Scottish Rite.
“As much as he valued his career and accomplishments, his family always came first. Especially my mom, Babs. What started out as a childhood friendship with their meeting in elementary school in Donelson, Tennessee, soon blossomed into a lifelong love and, together, they built a rich life full of love, family, and memories. Their bond was a testament to the love and dedication that defined everything he did. He instilled in me and my brothers, Harvey and Mike, the values of being loving husbands and devoted fathers, and we carry those lessons with us today. His grandchildren, too, held a special place in his heart and his love for them was unparalleled.
“I know Bill Freeman, my dad, will be deeply missed by all who knew him—his family, friends, colleagues, and this community. His legacy of dedication and commitment will live on in the countless lives he touched.”
