Rev. Clifford Allen Free

* COURTEST ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE FAMILY OF REV. CLIFFORD FREE

Home going Celebration for Rev. Clifford Allen Free

July 5, 1943 – June 26, 2025

"Well done, good and faithful servant…" – Matthew 25:21

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the Home going Celebration of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, former pastor, and friend, Rev. Clifford Allen Free.

Born in Rome, Georgia, on July 5, 1943, to the late Rev. Alvin Turner Free and Marble Willie Burkhalter Free, Clifford lived a life of faithful service to both God and his community.

He was raised in the Lindale community, attended Pepperell and Midway Elementary Schools, and later moved to Calhoun in 1956. A proud graduate of Calhoun High School, Class of 1962, Clifford was a member of the Yellow Jacket Football Team and the Literary Team, where he competed as a soloist and quartet member at the regional and State levels.

He began his funeral service career working part-time at Combs Funeral Home during high school and later graduated from the Kentucky College of Mortuary Science in 1968. He served as a licensed mortician for over five decades, known for his skill in restorative work and his compassionate care for families in need.

In 1979, Clifford became the owner of the Clifford Free Funeral Home in Calhoun, which he operated until 2003. In 2005, he became associated with the Henderson and Sons Funeral Home, continuing his practice to become one of the oldest in the funeral profession in the State of Georgia prior to his retirement. Upon retirement, he continued to work part-time with the Reynolds Funeral Home and Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock, GA.

In addition to his professional life, Rev. Free was a dedicated and passionate servant of the Lord. He pastored numerous churches across North Georgia, including Friendship Baptist (Rome), Blackwood, New Zion, Corinth, and South Calhoun Baptist Churches. He especially cherished his years at New Zion (8 years) and Corinth (9 years). His love of Southern Gospel music led him to travel and sing with groups such as The Peacemakers, The Kings Children, and The Royals. He also hosted “The Gospel Turntable” and later co-hosted “Sunday Morning Gospel Time” alongside Arthur Owens, blessing countless listeners in the Tri-State area.

Clifford's commitment to his community went beyond ministry. He was the first EMT in Gordon County (EMT #651) and served in EMS from 1962 forward, including a decade as Director of Emergency Medical Services. He was recognized as a “Pioneer in Emergency Medical Services” and named “EMT of the Year” for his groundbreaking contributions. and was a proud supporter of local health initiatives and Gordon Hospital advancements.

An active member of the Calhoun Lions Club for over 45 years, he served three terms as President. He was also a Member of Club Y and faithfully served for many years.

Above all, Clifford was a die-hard Calhoun Yellow Jacket fan. For 27 years, he was proudly known as “The Voice of Yellow Jacket Football,” rarely missing a game in over three decades. He also cheered on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and enjoyed many mornings at the Yellow Jacket Restaurant with "Missy and the Breakfast Crew," always sharing laughs. He enjoyed delicious food with great banter, always filled with a smothering of witticism daily. He was Black and Gold or Navy and Gold always!

Other than serving the Lord, his greatest joy was always his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Alvin Turner Free, and his mother, Marble Willie Burkhalter Free; two brothers, Clinton William Free and Charles Ronald “Ron” Free; nephew, Sean Free.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Emma Rogers Free; daughter, Carmen Green (Terry) of Calhoun; two granddaughters, Rachael Mary Green, and Sarah Abigail Fuller (J.C.) of Calhoun, along with nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A service to celebrate Clifford’s life will be held Sunday, June 29th at 3:00 PM from South Calhoun Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Free (Nephew), Rev. Eddie Brannon, Jesse Vaughn, and Bud Owens officiating. Interment will follow in Fain Cemetery with Pastor Jason Pace officiating. Pallbearers serving include, Jonathan Rogers, Kevin Rogers, Jacob Free, Taylor Free, Mike Johnson, and Kevin Benton. Honorary pallbearers include, The Yellow Jacket Restaurant Breakfast Crew, CLUB Y, Northwest Georgia EMS, Jim Luckett, Gary Amos, Fred Williams, Randy Balliew, David Craig, Todd Gibbs, Bobby Dodd, Donald Knight, Jerry Cagle, Mike Taylor, Steve Glass, Tyson Glass, Keegan Wright, and Ken Greeson.

The family will receive friends Saturday, June 28, 2025 at South Calhoun, Baptist Church between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 PM. His body will be placed in state at the church on Sunday, June 29th from 2:00 PM until the funeral hour of 3:00 PM.

In honor of a life lived in faithful service to God, family, and community, we celebrate the legacy of Rev. Clifford Allen Free—a shepherd, a servant, and a true Yellow Jacket through and through. His impact lives on in the many hearts he touched, the voices he comforted, and the faith he boldly proclaimed.

🕊️ "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." – Psalm 116:15