Andre Reynaulde Freeland, 68, of St. Marys, GA., unexpectedly passed away on February 07, 2023.

Andre was born in Washington D.C. to the late Norwell and Inez Freeland. As a young boy, he moved to NY., and it was there that, at the age of 13 years old, he met his childhood sweetheart, Lisa Raimo, who became the love of his life. After 8 years of being best friends the two were married on September 25, 1976, in Long Island, NY. They welcomed two sons, Marcus, and Andre, and one daughter, Melissa. Andre's desire to take care of his growing family led to him enlisting in the U.S. Navy as a Submariner. Over the next 15 years, the Navy took him to South Carolina, Washington State, and finally St. Marys Georgia, where he retired after 20 years in service with numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons awarded. After closing the book on that chapter in his life, Andre then turned his attention to a dream he had that harkened back to his days on the streets of New York. His ideas for entrepreneurship, helping disadvantaged youths, and giving back to the neighborhood manifested in him owning a successful Mister Softee ice cream truck business in Jacksonville, Florida. He brought smiles to each neighborhood one ice cream cone at a time, even earning a write-up in the Florida Times Union "Friday columns on summer in the South" in 2005.

Although Andre held many titles in his life his favorite role was being a hands-on family man. He enjoyed watching black and white movies, grooving to old school music, playing a competitive game of cards or dominoes, and hitting the lanes with his treasured bowling league (even traveling to championships to compete); but more than anything else, Andre loved to spend time with his family. Whether he was going on long bike rides with them or traveling over 3,500 miles together from the east coast to the west coast (not once, not twice, but 3 times!) ; he was always up for a family adventure. He took those opportunities to show and teach his family the importance of love, kindness, and empathy, always encouraging, caring, and sharing advice on life skills. With him there was never a dull moment and he never stopped planning the next adventure they could all have together.

Andre's generous spirit, good humor, and humility touched everyone he met, and his life brought joy to all who had the privilege of being in it.

Later in life, Andre turned his attention toward his faith and started his journey on the road to getting to know the Bible. He was having a regular personal Bible Study and attending the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, alongside his wife, at the time of his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Marcus Freeland. Among those left to cherish his memory is his spouse of 46 years, Lisa Freeland; his son Andre Freeland; his daughter Melissa (Trevor) Peters; his 13 grandchildren; and numerous other loving relatives and caring friends.

We now await the fulfillment of the Apostle Paul's inspired words at Acts 24:15 where it says, "And I have a hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous."

A private service will be held at 3 p.m. March 12, 2023 at Crooked River State Park.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.