(This story has been updated with additional details.)
In a profound loss that reverberates through the heart of Nashville, William H. “Bill” Freeman—a formidable force in the city’s business realm, a spirited mayoral aspirant, and a stalwart supporter of the Democratic Party—passed away on Sunday night at the age of 73. His departure has left an indelible mark on the lives he touched.
The circumstances surrounding his death are deeply tragic, attributed to suicide, casting a somber shadow over the myriad contributions he made throughout his life.
Born and bred in Nashville, Freeman’s journey was anything but ordinary. He enrolled at the University of Tennessee but chose to pivot from academia, entering the bustling world of real estate. It was here, through his connection with Jimmy Webb via the Nashville Junior Chamber of Commerce, that Freeman Webb Company was born in 1979—an enterprise dedicated to real estate investment, management, and brokerage. Before this entrepreneurial leap, he served the Metro Development and Housing Agency, laying the groundwork for a career that would span decades.
Freeman became synonymous with Democratic fundraising in Tennessee and the Southeast, championing the campaigns of major figures like Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. His unwavering support for Biden was notable, leading to an appointment on the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. He also lent his expertise to the White House Historical Association and took the role of treasurer for the Tennessee Democratic Party in 2009, solidifying his position as a political heavyweight.
Rep. Bob Freeman, the son of Bill Freeman, poignantly reflected on his father’s legacy in a heartfelt statement: “As much as he valued his career and accomplishments, his family always came first. My mom, Babs, was his lifelong companion, a bond fashioned in youthful days that evolved into a testament of love—a foundation upon which our family thrived.” He spoke of the values his father instilled, emphasizing the importance of building loving homes and cherishing the bonds with grandchildren, which Freeman held dearly.
Nashville’s current Mayor, Freddie O’Connell, expressed his sorrow: “Tonight, we lost Bill Freeman. Bill was a multi-faceted individual—real estate visionary, mayoral candidate, accomplished pilot, media mogul, staunch Democrat—and above all, a dear friend. Nashville, Tennessee, and our nation are undoubtedly better for his tenacity and commitment. His absence will be profoundly felt, and my condolences extend to his family.”
Among many tributes, Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry, a former rival in the mayoral arena, commemorated Freeman as “a visionary businessman and a generous philanthropist who embodied the spirit of Nashville,” praising the legacy of compassion and dedication he leaves behind.
In 2015, Freeman took a bold leap into the political fray as he ran for mayor, ultimately finishing third, narrowly missing a runoff. His passions extended beyond the boardroom; he was also a martial arts enthusiast and a skilled pilot.
Though illness struck with a series of strokes in 2022, leading him to retreat from the frenetic pace of his professional and civic duties, Freeman remained a respected figure, resigning from key positions, including chair of Freeman Webb in October 2023 and the Metro Nashville Airport Authority earlier this year.
Survived by his beloved wife, Babs Tinsley Freeman, three sons—Harvey, Mike, and state Rep. Bob—and seven cherished grandchildren, Bill Freeman leaves behind a legacy rich in love, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to family and community.
