Carl Blair "Alan" Freeman

Carl Blair “Alan” Freeman, age 72, of Gulfport passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Freeman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melinda Claytor Freeman; his mother, Joyce Blair Stier; sisters, Pam Bybee and Christy Kobielsky (Keith); brother, David Freeman (Kim); nieces, Kristi Bybee, Hannah Freeman; sister-in-law, Cindy Batey; nephews, Brandon and Brent Batey (Crystal); several great nephews; and his Godchildren who he absolutely adored, Dean, Dallas Burgess, and Lilly-Rose Burgess; best friend, Rick Cronic; and many close family, friends, and co-workers.

Alan was born in Alabama where his family was in the funeral business before moving to Las Vegas where his family started a funeral home there.   After graduation he went to work in the Casino industry and became very successful in the food and beverage side of that business.  

Alan was a gourmet chef and taught many how to properly prepare a wonderful meal.  He enjoyed working in the yard and spending time with his Godchildren.  Alan and Melinda loved to travel and loved spending time in Destin, Florida.

His expertise in food and beverage is what sent him to the Mississippi Gulf Coast as casinos were being built.  He worked for the Grand Casino helping them setup their food and beverage operation, and after several years at the Grand Casino, Alan began a new career in funeral service and began to work for several cemeteries and Riemann Family Funeral Homes in the late 90’s.   He served families of the Gulf Coast for over 25 years helping thousands prearrange their final wishes.  He was totally dedicated to “Riemann Service” and was the consummate professional caregiver when speaking to and helping families.

Alan was always there.   Before Katrina, after Katrina, and now, Alan was a constant proponent of preplanning and conducted his affairs with the utmost integrity while treating his customer families and coworkers with dignity and respect.

 Alan was one of a kind with his sharp wit and Vegas flair!  Most were a target of this at one time or another, and when it was your turn, he looked you square in the eyes with those big blue eyes of his and slicked back hairdo and fired away.  Nine times out of ten, there was nothing you could say in response.

 His larger-than-life presence that impacted so many will be greatly missed.

Happy Hour will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  Please bring your favorite story to be shared at 6:30 pm as we celebrate a life well lived.

Memorials may be made to www.stjude.org .