Royce Lee Freeman Sr. was born September 16, 1938, to Robert Lee “Bud” Freeman and Hazel Lucille (Abney) Freeman. He passed from this life on July 9, 2022, at the age of 83 years.
Royce attended Lindsay High School and was a graduate of the class of 1955. Shortly after high school, he attended college and joined the Air Force. While he was stationed in Waco, Texas, Royce met his loving wife of 60 years, Sharon Ann (Branch) Freeman. Together they had four sons, Royce Lee Freeman, Robert Howard Freeman, Darryl Edward Freeman, and Richard Wayne Freeman.
Royce spent all of his adult life in Lindsay, Oklahoma, and raised his four children during that time. He worked in the family business until semi-retiring in 1992. Royce was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lindsay.
Royce also belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, the American Legion in Lindsay, Oklahoma, the Rotary Club, and many more organizations. Royce enjoyed supporting Lindsay Schools Athletics, FFA, and Booster Clubs. After retirement, Royce joined his three sons, Royce, Robert, and Richard, and their
After retirement, Royce joined his three sons, Royce, Robert, and Richard, and their drag racing business in Oklahoma City, Lindsay, Pauls Valley, and Wynnewood. His idea of the perfect “retirement” was working with his boys and celebrating their continued success in the automotive and drag racing profession. Drag racing was truly Royce’s life passion. So, he found great joy as he watched his three sons race and build arguably one of the most historic Pro Stock teams to date. Royce was instrumental in the foundation of this successful business, along with the many more of the Elite Motorsports family. There is no doubt that Royce’s legacy will live on through his sons and grandchildren.
In his final years, Royce was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. He also found enjoyment in riding Cushman Motor Scooters.
Left to cherish the memory of Royce are his wife, Sharon, of the home; his sons, Royce Freeman and wife, Lisa, of Duncan, Oklahoma, Robert Freeman of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Richard Freeman and wife, Kim, of Wynnewood; his grandchildren, Kenley Freeman, Cale Freeman and wife, Sidney, Chase Freeman, Casey Freeman, Austin Freeman, and Tyler Freeman; his sisters, Beth and Richard Skinner of Humble, Texas, Linda and Don Moore of Kilgore, Texas, and Donna and Randy Thompson of League City, Texas; along with numerous nieces and nephews, and tons of friends.
Royce is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee “Bud” Freeman and Hazel Lucille (Abney) Freeman; his son, Darryl Edward Freeman; and his brother, Robert Don Freeman.
A funeral service to honor the life of Royce was held Wednesday, July13, 2022, at Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley. He was laid to his final rest following the service at Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma, under the direction of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home, Lindsay.
