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In Loving Memory
William K. Free
10/17/1943
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2/5/2010
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William Kenneth "Bill" Free, 66, of Reisterstown, died Friday, February 5, 2010, at his residence. Born October 17, 1943 in Frederick, Maryland, He was the son of the late Charles Edwin Free and Edna Genevie "Jenny" Ramsburg Free.
Mr. Free was in Thurmont Little League baseball, Thurmont High School Class of 1961, nicknamed "Gus"(after Orioles player Gus Triandos), where he played basketball, baseball and soccer. He also belonged to the Creagerstown baseball team (Tri-county league)., he attended the University of South Carolina, Class of 1965, where he received a A.B. degree in journalism, he wrote for the Gamecock newspaper, participated in intramural sports, and joined the U.S. Army ROTC. Mr. Free served in the US Army in Germany as a sports writer. Before his 43 year long career as a sports writer for the Baltimore Sun, he worked briefly at the Gettysburg Times, Waynesboro Record and the Harrisburg Patriot-News.
A highlight of his career at the Sun, was his nomination for the Pulitzer Prize for helping to break the Len Bias overdose story in 1986, when he covered the University of Maryland. Also, he often recalled his journey with the 1983 Baltimore Orioles to report on their World Series victory over Philadelphia. Mr. Free also played softball for the Baltimore Sun team and for Creagerstown in the in their local church league for several years.
Surviving are his children Brett Free of Laurel, Delaware, Matthew and his wife Alyssa Free of Hampstead, MD, Grandfather of Alivia, Mason, Alex, Maguire and Emalee. Brother, Ronald Free of Thurmont, MD. He was predeceased by a Brother, Charles Edwin Free, Jr. (Eddie) and Sister Ruth Ann Free Reader.
The family will receive friends at Eline Funeral Home 11824 Reisterstown Road (at Franklin Blvd.) Reisterstown on Monday, February 15, 2010, 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 10:00a.m.with the Rev. Bill Lundgren officiating. Interment Creagerstown Cemetery.
Arrangements have been updated.
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Online Condolences
From:
BRIAN, SIDNEY AND MARY LEVIN
REISTERSTOWN
MARYLAND
Relationship:
NEIGHBOR
SO SORRY FOR BILL TO END HIS LIFE SO TRAGICALLY..HE LOVE SPORTS AND HIS RED CAR. HE WILL BE MISSED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Sent:
2/8/2010
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From:
Pete Kerzel
Catonsville
MD
Relationship:
Friend/co-worker
My condolences to all Bill's family and friends. I worked with Bill for many years, covering the Blast, and will always remember his wonderful storytelling capabilities. "World B." was one of a kind, and he'll be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
Sent:
2/8/2010
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From:
Diane Garman
Reisterstown
Md
Relationship:
neighbor
Dear Brett & Matt, I was so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was such an important part of our Nob Hill community-he will be greatly missed. We loved his christmas ligts! Our prayers are with you .
Diane Garman
Sent:
2/8/2010
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From:
Nicholas Atwell
Westminster
MD
Relationship:
Friend
Bill was one of the kindest and most sincere people I have had the pleasure of meeting in my entire life. I am so grateful to have been able to listen to all of his many wonderful stories. His positive attitude towards life will be greatly missed.
Sent:
2/8/2010
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From:
Tony Cole
Towson
Maryland
Relationship:
Friend from University of Maryland
I sending my most sincere condolences.
Sent:
2/9/2010
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From:
Mark Seifert
Reisterstown
MD
Relationship:
Acquaintance Freind
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I would run into Bill around Reisterstown and it was always a pleasure to talk to him. My sincere condolances to the family.
Sent:
2/14/2010
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From:
Michelle Atwell
Westminster
MD
Relationship:
Friend
Bill was such a special person whose kind words, smile could light up a room. The lights of the holidays always brought him so much joy. Bill, your light will burn bright forever, you will be missed.
Sent:
2/15/2010
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From:
BRIAN B DONNELLY
BEL AIR
MARYLAND
Relationship:
FRIEND
I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF BILL'S PASSING. I MET BILL PLAYING BASEBALL ("OTTSBALL") ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO. HE BECAME A REGULAR PLAYING WITH US. BILL WAS VERY ENTERTAINING AND REALLY LOVED HIS "ROCK & ROLL" IROC. HE SHARED MANY STORIES WITH US ABOUT THE VARIOUS SPORTS CELEBRITIES HE INTERVIEWED. BILL WAS A UNIQUE PERSON AND WILL BE MISSED.
Sent:
2/15/2010
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From:
Nancy & Gary Rupert
Eldersburg,
MD.
Relationship:
friend
Your dad was quite a man--he was a good friend, excellent sports writer, and we always enjoyed being with him. Thinking of you all.
Sent:
2/15/2010
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From:
John Buren
Reisterstown
Maryland
Relationship:
Friend
I knew Bill from the days when we were both covering sports around Baltimore and from Mary Lou's coffee shop & lunch counter in Reisterstown.
I remember how often Bill smiled and how he loved to laugh, but what he loved even more, was to make other people smile and laugh. He got an enormous amount of pleasure out of telling stories to elicit these responses, and so many times these were stories about him. He would tell stories on himself...make himself the object or butt of the joke...all in an effort to make someone else smile and perhaps laugh. To me, that speaks eloquently of his generosity of spirit, and that is how I will remember Bill.
Sent:
2/16/2010
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From:
Dan O'Connell
Towson
Maryland
Relationship:
Friend, Co-Worker
Bill was a wonderful guy with a great sense of humor. He was a very good sportswriter who was respected by all. My condolences to the family. We will all miss Bill.
Sent:
2/16/2010
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From:
Herman Veal,Jr.
yorkville
illinois
Relationship:
friend--U of Md. basketball
I would like to convey my sincere heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Getting to know Bill as he covered Terp basketball was indeed a pleasure. I always knew that he would convey the story as it actually occurred. ---HE NOW DWELLS WITH THE SAINTS!!!
Sent:
2/18/2010
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