John Harold Free

John Harold Free, known affectionately to friends and family as John, passed away at the age of 70 on February 7, 2026, at Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, the very town where his story began on September 9, 1955. John leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and an unwavering faith that touched all corners of his life.

John was a devoted husband to his wife of 27 years, Deborah Clement Free. He was truly the love of her life. Together, they crafted a life filled with joy and meaning, alongside their beloved children: son John Alexander Free and his wife Lisa, daughters Brande Borkowski and her husband Mario, and Felicia Free Bourgeois with her husband Jeff. His family extended to include his cherished bonus children, Amy Wilkerson (Dale), Amber Phillips (Matt), and Robert Register. John's sister Sharon Spivey, brother-in-law Randy Freeman, and brother-in-law Mark Clement (Tanya), also held special places in his heart. He was a patriarch to a vibrant lineage, including grandchildren, Kristin Miller (Guy), Jonathan Batchelor (Sam), Jessica Free, Hailey Free, Elicia Allen, Julian Rosado, Corbyn Borkowski, Myla Borkowski, Calen Borkowski, Cora Borkowski, Brailey Gore, Wyatt Wilkerson, Presley Wilkerson, Grace Phillips, Alex Phillips, Hunter Register, and Bentley Register and 5 great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces, who will carry forward his spirit and teachings.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Lacy Free and Willie Jane Wilson Free, his son Greg Free, and his siblings, Barbara Burgess, Jerry Free, and James Free. He was a beacon of strength and resilience for his family, and his presence will be profoundly missed.

A man of deep faith, John obtained a Theology certificate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and was an active member of Glenn Anthony Baptist Church. His Christian beliefs were the foundation of his life and guided him in his actions and relationships with others.

Professionally, John retired as a mechanical engineer from Pratt & Whitney, where he was respected for his intelligence and passion for his work. He carried that same passion into his personal life, engaging in lively discussions about politics with friends and family, always ready to share his well-informed opinions.

John's interests were as varied as they were rich. An avid outdoorsman, he reveled in traveling, camping, fishing, and hunting. His love for guns and reloading ammo spoke to his appreciation for precision and tradition. John was a fervent fan of Alabama Football, celebrating each victory with the same enthusiasm as if it were the team's first. His culinary tastes ranged from a perfectly cooked steak to the simple pleasures of Waffle House and J.R.'s Steakhouse. His adventurous spirit led him to a mission trip to Peru and a memorable visit to Israel with his church group, where he waded into the Sea of Galilee.

John Harold Free will be remembered as an intelligent and passionate man who lived his life with purpose and vitality. His stories will be told, his lessons will be shared, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege to know him.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 11 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Est at Colonial Funeral Home and the Celebration of Life Services will be held the next day, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm Est at Colonial Funeral Home with Pastor Jared Owens officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens

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