William Gerold Freeman, 69, of Cayce, passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2026, after a strong and courageous fight against cancer. He was born on December 3, 1956, in Hartsfield.

He was one of those people who was hard to forget. He was a simple man who loved the simple things in life, and he never needed much to be happy. Give him a fishing pole, something to cook, something to collect, or somebody willing to sit and talk, and he was right where he wanted to be.

And talk he could. He could spend forever talking to just about anyone. He never met a stranger, and somehow, everywhere he went, he made a friend. He had a way of making people laugh, making them feel comfortable, and making them feel like they had known him forever. His stories, his sense of humor, and his way of just being himself will be missed more than words can say.

He put everything he had into everything he did. When he loved something, he loved it completely. When someone needed him, he was there. He would do anything he could for another person and never expected anything in return. Helping people was simply who he was.

But more than anything in this world, he loved his family. Everyone who knew him knew just how much his family meant to him. His family was his pride, his joy, and the center of his world. He was a loving husband to Donna, a father to April and John “Rusty,” and a father-in-law to Courtnee. He was a proud grandfather to Ava, Adalyn, and William “Marcus.” His love for them all was never something they had to wonder about—they knew it, felt it, and saw it in all the little things he did.

He was the son of Edward and Sarah Freeman. He was one of eight children and is survived by his sisters, Rhonda Sue, Melissa, and Teresa Joyce. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Eddie, Jo Ann, Johnny, and Jeannie.

There will be many things his family and friends will miss: hearing him tell a story that somehow seemed to get longer every time he told it, laughing at something only he could make funny, watching him enjoy the things he loved, and simply having him there. We will miss his voice, his conversations, his generosity, and the way he could make a stranger feel like a friend.

He wasn't a complicated man. He loved helping people. He worked hard, gave what he had, and lived life in his own way.

And maybe that is what made him so special.

He didn't have to be anything other than William.

He was loved deeply, and he loved deeply in return. His family takes comfort in knowing that he gave this life everything he had and that the people he loved most always knew exactly how much they meant to him.

He will be missed by his family, his friends, and the many people who were lucky enough to cross his path. His life may have ended unexpectedly, but the love, laughter, stories, and memories he left behind will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

A memorial celebrating William’s life will be held September 19, 2026, at State Street Baptist Church.

He was just William—a simple man with a big heart, a lot to say, and an even bigger love for his family. He will be missed every day and loved always.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 200 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 999-5015