On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Freddie Lile Easterling joined our Father in Heaven at the age of 72. After several months of battling leukemia, he died peacefully in his home with his beloved wife Julie and their children holding vigil. Freddie was born in Hope, Arkansas on September 6, 1948 to father Robert Lile Easterling and mother Mattie Lou Purtle Easterling.
While he attended school in Hope, he made many lifelong friends and memories that he loved to share with all that would listen. After graduating high school, Freddie served 6 years in the United States National Guard while simultaneously taking classes at Texarkana Community College. It was during his time at college that he met the love of his life, Julie, whom he later married. Once his military service was complete, he began his 41 year career with Southwestern Bell/AT&T which brought the family to Longview, Texas in 1980. In the years following his retirement he enjoyed hunting, gardening, loving on his grandchildren, and spending his time in his yard swing. He also loved sharing stories and keeping in touch with his many treasured friends on FaceBook.
Freddie will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud patriot and veteran, and a man of strong Christian faith. One of Freddie's proudest accomplishments was his family. He considered himself lucky to have been blessed with three children. To them he was a superhero, and even as adults, they still see him that way. He was always there for them through their ups and downs, and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer. The only thing that could shadow his love for his wife and kids is the immeasurable joy that his grandchildren brought to his life.
During the course of his medical treatments at Medical City Hospital in Dallas Freddie made many new friendships with the compassionate nurses, support staff, and particularly Dr. Estill Vance. Their expert care and support helped Freddie and family through a very difficult time and their kindness will never be forgotten.
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, sister Linda Easterling Brown, and niece Wendy Brown Pharr. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Julie Easterling, children Lisa Hulen and husband Scott, Leslie Packard and husband Alex, and Philip Easterling and wife Shavon, grandchildren Zach Hulen, Dakota Hulen, Kylie Easterling, Dylan Easterling, Harlie Easterling, Aubrey Packard, Benjamin Packard, and Jacob Packard, as well as brother-in-law Jerry Brown of Hope, AR, numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins who all held a special place in his heart.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview. A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 11:00 am at Memory Gardens in Hope, AR. under direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Homes Hope.
We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love.