ELIZABETHTON - Retired First Sergeant Louis "Lou" Kerry Free, 63, found everlasting peace on Saturday (Sept. 9, 2000) after a courageous battle with cancer at the James H. Quillen Medical Center, Mountain Home, Tenn.

Lou gave 22 years of his life for the betterment of his country. During this time he pulled three tours in Vietnam. He retired out of Company C 101st AVN Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

During his Army career, Lou was awarded the Bronze Medal, two Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Master Crewman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaves, and six Good Conduct Awards.

Upon his retirement, he owned and operated "Junction Shell" service station in Johnson City for a number of years. Later, he became owner/operator of P&L Trucking, leasing on with Overnite Express (OX) out of St. Paul, Minnesota. During that time he was awarded the "Million Miler" safety plaque, for driving a million miles accident free. He remained a long haul truck driver until cancer forced him to retire.

He was preceded in death by his parents, M.C. and Laura Free; father-in-law, Nobel Light; four sisters, Jennalea Free, Bernice Baldwin, Alma Webster, and Diana Bradshaw; four brothers, Duel Free, the Rev. Harold Free, the Rev. Walmer Free, and Stanley Free.

Surviving are his devoted and loving wife of 45 years, Phyllis Light Free, of the home; daughter, Patsy Free, Gate City; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Glenda Free, Waxhaw, N.C.; granddaughter, Megan Free, Waxhaw, N.C.; very special and dedicated brother-in-law and sister-in-law, D.J. and Martha Light, Weber City; mother-in-law, Mollie Green, Weber City; five sisters, a twin, Mrs. William (Sharlie) Houseright, Clinchport, Naomi Stephens, Daytona, Fla., Mrs. Robert (Margurete) Goad, Blountville, Ms. Judith McCurry and Ms. Janet Cox, both of Kingsport; sisters-in-law, Betty Free, Virginia Free, and June Free; brothers-in-law, Roberts Baldwin, Burl Webster, and Sam Light; one brother, Allan Free, Winterhaven, Fla.; 17 nieces and 24 nephews; very special friends and neighbors, Kenneth and Jeanette Dugger, and Erma Nidiffer, you will forever hold a special place in our hearts for all you have done for Louis and Phyllis over the years.

Calling hours will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. today at the Scott County Funeral Home, Weber City.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, with Full Military Honors conducted by Fort Lee, Va. Color Guard.

Kingsport Times-News
Submitted by Don Lane