Alden “Buford” Freeman, 74, of Reliance, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012.

He was retired as a supervisor with Collins Chair. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed gardening, especially his flowers.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Mae Bain Freeman; and parents, Charlie and Essie McKenzie Freeman.

He is survived by his children: Ronald Freeman of Cleveland, Robert Freeman and wife, Tricia, of Hixson and Sherri Beavers and husband, Gary, of Crandall, Ga.; grandchildren: Sarah Beavers, Amber Blanks and Rebecca Blanks; great-grandchildren: Taylor Mae Beavers, Lily Reece and Parker Alexander Blanks; brothers: Eugene Freeman and wife, Erma, and Kenneth Freeman and wife, Faye, all of Tellico; sisters: Judy Dixon of Riceville, Aileen Lee and husband, Burch, of Cleveland and Shirley Woods and husband, Paul, of Tellico; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at Higgins Funeral Home with the Rev. Pete Morgan officiating.

Interment will follow in Morgan Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 this evening at the funeral home.

You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Freeman family guest book at www.higginsfuneral.com.