Shreveport Community Honors Ronald Paul Free

News Summary

The Shreveport community gathers to honor the life of Ronald Paul Free, a cherished business leader and family man who impacted many lives during his 63 years in the refrigeration industry. The memorial service will be held on December 29, 2024, to celebrate his legacy of innovation, hard work, and compassion for the community.

Shreveport Community Comes Together to Remember Ronald Paul Free

Shreveport, Louisiana is in mourning after the loss of a beloved local figure, Ronald Paul Free, known to friends and family as “Ronnie.” The revered business leader and cherished family man passed away on December 23, 2024, leaving a profound impact on the community he served for decades.

Celebrating a Life Well-Lived

A service honoring Ronnie’s life is scheduled for Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist Church. After the service, attendees are invited to a reception in Couch Parlor to share stories and celebrate his remarkable journey.

Born on May 23, 1941, in Shreveport, Ronnie was a loyal local, deeply embedded in the community’s fabric. He graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1959 and spent a few years studying at Texas A&M University before stepping into his father’s shoes at Free’s Commercial Refrigeration following his father’s untimely passing in 1961. Established in 1949, this family business flourished under Ronnie’s devoted leadership for an impressive 63 years at its location on Samford Avenue.

A Legacy of Hard Work and Innovation

Over the years, Ronnie made significant strides in the refrigeration industry. He was a pioneer, developing the Free’s Directed Airflow system tailored for fiberglass plants in response to OSHA requirements during the 1980s. This innovation highlighted not only his dedication to the business but also his commitment to safety standards in the industry.

After transitioning out of commercial refrigeration, Ronnie found joy in a new venture: boating. He created The Boat House, specializing in boat and RV storage. This was just another testament to Ronnie’s penchant for hard work and dedication to serving the community’s needs.

A Loving Family Man

Ronnie’s heart was as big as his achievements. He met his wife, Margaret Sue Attaway, while working on a power plant project for SWEPCO. Their marriage lasted an incredible 61 years, a true partnership built on shared work ethics and love. Ronnie took immense pride in his family, being known affectionately as “Papa” to his five grandchildren. Family time was a top priority, often having fun teaching them to waterski on Lake Ouachita and delighting them with sunset dinners.

A Community Figure

Ronnie was not just a business leader but a dedicated member of the local community and church. He joined Broadmoor United Methodist Church in 1964, where he helped charter the Cornerstone Sunday School Class and took on leadership roles in various organizations. He served as President of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (Shreveport chapter), the Mechanical Contractors Association, and Goodwill Industries in Shreveport. Ronnie was a proud Lifetime Member of the Downtown Lions Club and actively participated in various church activities.

In a heartfelt gesture, he dedicated his company, Free’s Incorporated, to God in 1986, demonstrating his desire to incorporate faith into his business practices and evangelize through his interactions.

Remembering a Friend, Family, and Community Leader

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Sue Attaway Free, daughters Ronda Free Trawick and Stacey Free Hargon, brother Walter G. Free Jr., and sister-in-law Judy Free. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Walter Free, and son-in-law Chad Hargon.

The pallbearers for the service will include friends and family members such as Mark Attaway and Ron Byrd. Additionally, honorary pallbearers will consist of members of the Cornerstone Sunday School Class and his esteemed professional group, the Mix Group.

As the Shreveport community grieves the loss of Ronald Paul Free, it also celebrates a life filled with love, dedication, and a legacy of service. In these trying times, the family has expressed their heartfelt gratitude to visitors and caregivers during Ronnie’s final months, highlighting the strength and compassion experienced within the community.