Freddie E. Lollie gained eternal rest on December 13, 2025, at the age of 91. Freddie was born on April 15, 1934, in Overton, Rusk County, Texas, to the late Mamie Jones DeBose and Jake Lollie. He was one of four children raised with strong values of faith, hard work, and love for family. Freddie accepted Christ at an early age and began his spiritual journey through baptism and membership at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church, where his faith became the foundation of his life. On May 29, 1974, Freddie married the love of his life, Lorene Whitmore, at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Kilgore, Texas. Their marriage was filled with love, commitment, and devotion and was blessed with five sons. Freddie took great pride in being a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He graduated from Star Bailey Public Schools in 1952 in Overton, Texas, and continued his education at Prairie View A&M University. In 1955, Freddie was inducted into the United States Army, where he served until 1959 as a proud Korean War veteran.

In 1961, Freddie began a career that would become a lifelong passion when Dr. William Leon Hattaway, pastor of St. Luke Methodist Church in Kilgore, offered him the position of church custodian. Freddie loved his job and his church family, faithfully serving for an extraordinary 54 years. During his tenure, he witnessed many changes but remained a steady, trusted presence whose dedication never wavered.

Alongside his service to the church, Freddie also built a successful career as a Field Technician with GTE Telephone Company, now known as Verizon. He retired after 34 years of service from there, earning perfect attendance and numerous awards—a testament to his work ethic, reliability, and pride in doing things the right way. Freddie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid sports fan, especially devoted to the Kilgore Bulldogs, and he loved fishing, dancing, and supporting his children in every sport they pursued. His warm smile, kind heart, and gentle spirit made him a favorite among all generations. He had a way of making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. 

Freddie was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lorene Lollie; his parents; his sons Luke Lollie and Lonnie Carraway; and his siblings Louis Jackson, Claude Lollie Sr., and Henry Lollie. 

He leaves to cherish his loving memories his Sister in law Billie Lollie of Houston, Tx, sons Mark Lollie (Sherice) of Forney, Freddie Lollie Jr. of Kilgore, and JT Carraway Jr. (Trametria) of Houston; Quathan Latham of Kilgore: his cherished grandchildren Jerin Carraway, Jessica Carraway, Jaden Carraway, Jillian Carraway, Jordan Carraway, Jazmine Carraway, Jay T Carraway, Mar’shalia Lollie, Luke Lollie, and Ashton Lollie; his godchildren Donald Coleman and Mesha Coleman; a niece who was like a daughter, Wanda Allen; a dear friend Robert Besser; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever treasure his memory.