Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces funeral services for Mr. A.J. Free, age 85 of Hiawassee, who passed away on Monday evening, April 27, 2015 in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces funeral services for Mr. A.J. Free, age 85 of Hiawassee, who passed away on Monday evening, April 27, 2015 in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Mr. Free was born in Jackson County, Georgia, on February 28, 1930, a son of the late A.J. Free, Sr., and the late Jessie Mae Hulsey Free. He was a U.S. Army veteran who was drafted at the age of 18. A.J. served in an Artillery Division in Korea, where he earned 2 Korean Service Medals with Bronze Stars. The first KSM w/ bronze star was received for the rescue of a fellow soldier who was pinned down behind enemy lines. The second KSM w/ bronze star was received for delivering the first load of ammunition to the top of the infamous Hamburger Hill where he and two others were stationed. He was recently honored and awarded a Quilt of Valor for his heroic service, of which he was very proud. Later in life, A.J. turned his hobby into a career that can best be described as a service technician. He was known to be able to fix anything from minor appliance to homes. He enjoyed helping others and working with his hands.

He was known by many and will be greatly missed, especially by his family: son & daughter-in-law, Billy & Debbie Free, of Young Harris; grandson, Shay Free; great granddaughter, Makenzie Carroll, and great grandson, Cayden Casey. He was preceded in death by: his loving wife of 40 years, Juanita Ledford Free; his son, Jeff Free and his granddaughter, Chasity Free.

Funeral services for Mr. Free will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2015, from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee with Rev. Kevin Moss officiating. Special music will be presented by Freda Nicholson. Burial will be in the Joab – Ledford Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers are: Anthony Taylor, Zachary Davenport, Major Moss, Josh Hedden, Boone Moss and Dennis Free. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, from 6 until 9 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee. Please share your condolences with his family at cochranfuneralhomes.com.