Ronald "Ronnie" Freeman's Obituary
Ronald (Ronnie) Freeman, age 53 of Gainesville, Florida passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2016. He was born September 30, 1962 in Vereeniging, South Africa to Daniel and Johanna Elizabeth (Martins) Freeman.
Ronnie earned his medical degree at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He came to the United States in 1993 to study and travel. He completed his internship at the University of Kentucky, an anesthesiology residency at the University of Alabama, and a critical care fellowship at the University of Florida. After some years in South Africa and in Alabama he moved back to Gainesville in 2008. At the time of his death he was employed at the Orthopedic Institute. Ronnie was a huge rugby fan, and loved cheering on the Lions and the Springboks. He was at his happiest in the outdoors with his family by his side. Ronnie was compassionate and always brought a laugh to any gathering. He will be missed by all who knew him, most of whom would probably have a funny story to tell about him. Ronnie was a member of Westside Baptist Church.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 24 years, Esmelda, and their three children, Daniel Freeman, Sara Freeman, and Asha Freeman, and his brother, Adrian Freeman.
A Celebration of Ronald’s Life will be held Friday, August 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Westside Baptist Church, 10000 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL, with Pastor David Chauncey officiating, with a reception following the service. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd St. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Florida Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802.
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