Freeman E Hardaway III

On November 10, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, Freeman Edward Hardaway was born to proud parents Freeman E. Hardaway, Jr. and Olympia Collins Hardaway.  In the early morning, on October 22, 2024, he made his transition to go home and be with the Lord.

Freeman accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1967. He later became a member of Pine Grove MBC under the leadership of Pastor Debirley Porter. He was educated in the Detroit Public School System and matriculated from Northern High School in 1976. From an early age, he had a keen interest in speed and all kinds of vehicles, including tricycles, bicycles, motorcycles, cars and trucks. When he was only nine years old, he was proficient in assembling model cars with electrical engines. While in high school, Freeman studied auto mechanics and excelled in his classes. Before graduation, he applied for and accepted an automotive position with the City of Detroit, where he worked until his retirement.

Having a great affinity for canines, Freeman was the proud owner of several dogs, all who returned his affection without reservation. Though raised in the inner city, Freeman developed a love for camping and some of its “perks,” including fishing. After purchasing a camper, he took his family on a cross-country trip to Louisiana, where at one camping site, he had his first encounter with a curious raccoon, which invaded the family’s garbage can in search of food.  This experience did not hinder his love for the outdoors, and each year thereafter, Freeman and the family would explore many campsites.

During the spring of 1986, while playing Frisbee in Riverside Park, Freeman met the love of his life and future lifetime partner Denice. Later, they were united in holy matrimony. As a result of this union, each partner was blessed with a bonus daughter, and both eventually enjoyed the blessing of thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Freeman enjoyed spending quality time with his daughters and grands, who reciprocated great love to their “Granddad.” Shortly before his passing, Freeman reiterated his love for his wife and expressed his desire to have married her all over again, if that were possible. Freeman and Denise spent a lifetime of thirty-nine years together.

On October 22, 2024, the Lord called Freeman home after many years of illness. He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving and devoted wife, Denice; daughters: Tameka (Brian) Dwyer and Addreama Payne,  both from Detroit, MI; sisters: Denise Hardaway and Zaundra Hardaway, both from Detroit, MI; aunts: Vera Collins, from Seattle, WA; Ozella Morris, from Houston, TX; and Helen Hardaway, from Columbus, GA; In-laws Phyllis(Hayward)Harris, from Taylor, MI; Terry Payne and Yerret Payne, both from Detroit, MI;  special cousin/brother Benjamin Hardaway, Jr.; thirteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, friends, and race buddies.

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