Mr. Weldon Freeman, age 75, was born on July 31, 1950, in Robeson County, NC. He entered his heavenly home in the early morning hours of Monday, December 15, 2025, at his home in Cary, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents: Mr. Carlie & Mrs. Carlee Locklear Freeman; his brothers: Mr. Bennie Ray and Mr. Glenn Freeman; his maternal grandparents: Mr. Bennie & Mrs. Blanche Oxendine Locklear; and his paternal grandparents: Mr. William & Mrs. Lonia Mitchell Freeman.
Mr. Weldon is survived by his loving wife and best friend of almost 50 years: Mrs. Ursula Sampson Freeman; his only child, and beloved daughter: Mrs. Natalya Freeman Locklear (Kenwin); and the two grandchildren he adored: Cayten N. Locklear and Charla N. Locklear; his brothers: Mr. Dewey Locklear (Mary Elizabeth) and Mr. Monty Freeman; his sisters: Ms. Peggy Freeman Hunt and Mrs. Carolyn Freeman Batton (James); his fur baby, Snap; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whom he loved dearly.
Weldon graduated from Patterson High School in Baltimore, Maryland, before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pembroke State University, now known as the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He had a need for speed and was a speedster, both on the track and behind the wheel. His mother often laughed that she could hear Weldon and his Chevelle or Malibu flying through the swamps toward their home in Fairmont long before she ever saw him. Weldon also shared a passion for running with his daughter. Even when giving her a 10–12 foot head start in a short sprint, he would effortlessly pass her, laughing the entire time.
Weldon was the go-to source for knowledge on all things history, culture, and politics, but could also frame a home, fix a roof or cook a mean pot of chili. Professionally, Weldon played an integral role in the inauguration of the first Lumbee Tribal Council in January 2001. He also worked with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs Capacity Building Program and became the first American Indian Personnel Director for the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety where he retired in 2007. In this position, Weldon was instrumental in the hiring of many American Indian North Carolina State Highway Patrol men and women throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s. He received the Colonel’s Certificate of Appreciation from the North Carolina State High Patrol and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He was a charter member of the Triangle Native American Society (TNAS) and was a member of a group of progressive American Indians in Raleigh who established the first American Indian Political Action Committee in North Carolina, serving as its treasurer. Weldon was a strong supporter of American Indian causes, and his family takes comfort knowing he saw, supported, and applauded the hard work of Lumbee pioneers, past and present, in the final pursuit of full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Weldon was known by many names, WF, Daddy, Papa, Hippy, Governor, Uncle Will, brother, and friend, all titles he held with pride and love. Personally, Weldon was a collector of knives, an avid traveler, fisherman, a lover of raw oysters, a gardener and a true music connoisseur. Weldon could grow anything anywhere. His yard was often heralded as the most beautiful in his neighborhood, and for decades cultivated a garden and various fruit trees to which many still bear fruit. Weldon could often be found on the dance floor or relaxing in his sunroom, enjoying a favorite record. He attended many concerts, with the Eagles, Journey and the Rolling Stones among his favorites. Music was essential to Weldon and brought him great joy throughout his life. An avid fisherman and seafood lover, Weldon’s annual fishing trip with his mother and family to the Outer Banks was one of the highlights of his year. His mother was also one of his best friends, and when she went to be with the Lord a part of him left as well.
Above all, Weldon was a loving, genuine, loyal, humble, and kind man who deeply loved his family, friends, and his Lumbee people. He lived life to the fullest, believing everyone served a purpose and allowing God to guide his decisions. He never complained, loved telling stories and cracking jokes, and always kept his “two women” happy. His wife, his “baby”, was his best friend, and love of his life. His daughter, his “boosie,” was cherished from the moment he brought her home from the hospital. His grandchildren, “Little Man” and “Chi,” were his world. Weldon made birthdays and anniversaries special and never missed a game, meet, or event for his daughter or grandchildren. Christmas was his favorite time of the year, as everyone was able to gather and spend time. He was a family man through and through. To know Weldon was to love him. He never met a stranger, and acquaintances quickly became friends. He was a listening ear, was a non-judgmental person, and did anything he could to help anyone. A lifelong learner and lover of many things, Weldon was more than a husband, father, or papa, he was a source of comfort, strength, and unconditional love. His memory will live on through the stories shared and the lives he touched. Weldon is now rejoicing in heaven with those who went before him and will forever be loved, remembered, and deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Berea Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris Hunt officiating. Burial will follow in the Lumbee Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Berea Baptist Church.
