J.W. Freeny

J.W. Freeny, age 79, of Alex, passed away September 19, 2016.

He was born February 27, 1937, in Bradley to John Wilson Freeny, Sr. and Georgia Mollett (Ferguson) Freeny.

A 1955 graduate of Alex, J.W. played football and basketball at Murray State College for 2 years before joining the Army.  He received an honorable discharge in 1961.  Returning to Oklahoma, he obtained his Bachelors of Education degree from East Central University and Masters of Education from the University of Oklahoma.

J.W. worked 25 years from 1965 to 1990 as an educator, all in Grady County. He started his tenure at Alex in 1965 teaching English, Science and Social Studies and coaching football, basketball and baseball. During his 25 years at Alex, he was also counselor, elementary, junior high and high school principals before becoming superintendent.  After retiring as Superintendent, J.W. became the counselor at Amber-Pocasset from 1983-1984.  He concluded his educational service as principal of Grand Elementary School from 1985-1990.

In 1967, J.W. coached the first Alex Boys' Basketball Team to play in the State Tournament.  In, 1987, he was inducted into the Grady County Educators Hall of Fame.  In 2011, he was inducted to the Murray State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

He loved spending time on his farm and studying the Bible.  He cherished being a husband to Nelda, a Dad to Gayla and Ben and a PaPa to all his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Gayla Allen of Chickasha; his son, Ben Freeny of Fort Smith, Arkansas; grandsons Clay Allen, Sam Allen and John Freeny; granddaughters Sarah Freeny and Cassi Work; great grandson Jackson Harris; brother-in-law Bob Young; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 51 years, Nelda Gayle (Martin) Freeny.