Michael Freeman
1956-05-23 2022-12-07
Michael "Mike" William Freeman, 66 of Memphis, TN died Tuesday, December 7, 2022, at home with his wife, Sue by his side.
Mike was born May 23, 1956, in Harlingen, TX to William Ralph and Mary Kathleen (McCloskey) Freeman. His family moved to Memphis in 1967 where Mike remained throughout his life. He was a well-known Memphis Historian and Elvis Expert. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1974, received a BA in Urban Studies in 1979; MA in American History in 1988. Both degrees were from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). His master's thesis was the biography of Clarence Saunders. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. He was an adjunct instructor at the University of Memphis – Dept of History 2002-2006.
He was a published author. He co-authored "Best of Elvis"; "Memphis Elvis-Style" and "Love Always, Patsy". He was the sole author of "Clarence Saunders and the Founding of Piggly Wiggly" published in 2011 and he was the publisher of "My Treasured Memories of Elvis". He wrote many articles that were published in various magazines, was interviewed on TV and radio, appeared in several Elvis related DVD's, assisted with several TV and film projects from around the world and spoke at various events about Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Clarence Saunders. He was co-owner of Elvis Presley's former home, 1034 Audubon Drive (1998-2006).
Mike was a member, previous treasurer and current President of the West TN Historical Society and served on the Shelby County Historical Commission 2012-2020. He assisted in writing the texts for many historical markers in Memphis. He was involved in the successful preservation of Lauderdale Courts and Overton Park Shell from demolition. He was co-owner of Memphis Road Tours, with his wife, Sue, offering tours of Memphis, Arkansas, Mississippi, central and west Tennessee. Mike has conducted tours since 1997.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, served valiantly in several callings and enjoyed being of service to his church community.
He is survived by his wife, Sue (Rough), whom he married on March 12, 2016; 3 brothers, Tim Freeman of Hawaii; Jim Freeman (Charli) of Hawaii; Robert Freeman of Memphis and one sister, Julie Sere (Mike) of Arlington, nephew Mitchell, nieces Aerin and Autumn, great-niece Madison, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and niece Aerial.
Mike was born May 23, 1956, in Harlingen, TX to William Ralph and Mary Kathleen (McCloskey) Freeman. His family moved to Memphis in 1967 where Mike remained throughout his life. He was a well-known Memphis Historian and Elvis Expert. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1974, received a BA in Urban Studies in 1979; MA in American History in 1988. Both degrees were from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). His master's thesis was the biography of Clarence Saunders. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. He was an adjunct instructor at the University of Memphis – Dept of History 2002-2006.
He was a published author. He co-authored "Best of Elvis"; "Memphis Elvis-Style" and "Love Always, Patsy". He was the sole author of "Clarence Saunders and the Founding of Piggly Wiggly" published in 2011 and he was the publisher of "My Treasured Memories of Elvis". He wrote many articles that were published in various magazines, was interviewed on TV and radio, appeared in several Elvis related DVD's, assisted with several TV and film projects from around the world and spoke at various events about Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Clarence Saunders. He was co-owner of Elvis Presley's former home, 1034 Audubon Drive (1998-2006).
Mike was a member, previous treasurer and current President of the West TN Historical Society and served on the Shelby County Historical Commission 2012-2020. He assisted in writing the texts for many historical markers in Memphis. He was involved in the successful preservation of Lauderdale Courts and Overton Park Shell from demolition. He was co-owner of Memphis Road Tours, with his wife, Sue, offering tours of Memphis, Arkansas, Mississippi, central and west Tennessee. Mike has conducted tours since 1997.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, served valiantly in several callings and enjoyed being of service to his church community.
He is survived by his wife, Sue (Rough), whom he married on March 12, 2016; 3 brothers, Tim Freeman of Hawaii; Jim Freeman (Charli) of Hawaii; Robert Freeman of Memphis and one sister, Julie Sere (Mike) of Arlington, nephew Mitchell, nieces Aerin and Autumn, great-niece Madison, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and niece Aerial.