John Harold Free Obituary: Columbus, Georgia Family Mourns Beloved Engineer and Man of Faith

COLUMBUS, Georgia — Family and friends are remembering John Harold Free, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, engineer and man of faith who passed away on February 7, 2026, at Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. He was 70 years old.

John’s life was shaped by his Christian faith, commitment to family, professional career and love for the outdoors. His passing left behind a large family and many loved ones who continue to cherish the memories, lessons and experiences they shared with him.

His obituary was published through Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory, where family and friends gathered to honor a life that touched several generations.

Remembering John Harold Free

John was born on September 9, 1955, in Columbus, Georgia, to John Lacy Free and Willie Jane Wilson Free.

Throughout his life, faith remained an important part of who he was.

John earned a Theology certificate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and was an active member of Glenn Anthony Baptist Church.

His Christian beliefs influenced the way he approached family, relationships and service to others.

John’s faith also took him beyond his local community. He participated in a mission trip to Peru and traveled to Israel with his church, where one of his memorable experiences included visiting the Sea of Galilee.

These journeys reflected both his adventurous nature and the importance of faith throughout his life.

John Free’s Career as a Mechanical Engineer

Professionally, John built a successful career as a mechanical engineer with Pratt & Whitney.

He eventually retired from the company after dedicating years of his professional life to engineering.

John was remembered for his intelligence and genuine interest in his work. His technical knowledge became one of the many qualities recognized by those who knew him professionally and personally.

Retirement gave him more time to enjoy his family and the activities that had long brought him happiness.

A Life Filled With Adventure and the Outdoors

John enjoyed spending time outside and experiencing new places.

Among his favorite activities were camping, fishing, hunting and traveling. These interests provided opportunities to spend time with family and friends while creating memories away from everyday responsibilities.

He was also a passionate Alabama football fan.

Whether watching football, spending time outdoors or traveling, John embraced the interests that brought enjoyment to his life.

Those experiences now form part of the many memories his family can carry forward.

Devoted Husband to Deborah Free

At the center of John’s life was his family.

He was married to Deborah Clement Free for 27 years, building a life together filled with family experiences, challenges, celebrations and memories.

The loss of a spouse after nearly three decades together creates an absence that cannot easily be put into words.

For Deborah, the memories created throughout their marriage will remain an important part of John’s legacy.

John was also the father of John Alexander Free, Brande Borkowski and Felicia Free Bourgeois.

He was a cherished stepfather to Amy Wilkerson, Amber Phillips and Robert Register.

His family continued to grow through grandchildren and great-grandchildren, allowing John the opportunity to see his influence and family legacy extend across generations.

John Free’s Family and Loved Ones

John leaves behind a large family who will continue remembering the role he played in their lives.

In addition to his wife, children and stepchildren, he is survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Lacy Free and Willie Jane Wilson Free.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Greg Free, as well as his siblings Barbara Burgess, Jerry Free and James Free.

Those losses became part of John’s own journey through life, while the family members who survive him now face the difficult experience of saying goodbye to him.

A Legacy of Faith, Family and Knowledge

John was remembered for his strength, resilience and intelligence, but his influence reached beyond those qualities.

He was someone who enjoyed sharing what he knew, whether through stories, experiences, knowledge or opinions developed over a lifetime.

For his children and grandchildren, those conversations and lessons may become some of the most meaningful memories left behind.

A person’s legacy is not always found in major accomplishments. Often, it lives through family traditions, advice given at the right moment, stories repeated over the years and ordinary experiences shared with the people who mattered most.

John leaves behind many of those memories.

John Harold Free Cause of Death

John Harold Free passed away at Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, on February 7, 2026, at the age of 70.

The obituary information provided does not specify his cause of death.

No particular illness, medical condition or other circumstance should therefore be attributed to his passing without confirmation from his family or another appropriate source.

The focus of his obituary remains on the life he lived, the people he loved and the legacy he leaves behind.

Funeral Services for John Harold Free

Family and friends gathered for visitation on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel in Phenix City.

A Celebration of Life service was held the following day, Thursday, February 12, at 2 p.m.

Pastor Jared Owens officiated the service.

Following the Celebration of Life, John was laid to rest at Lakeview Memory Gardens.

The services provided his loved ones with an opportunity to gather, share memories and honor a man whose life had been closely connected to faith and family.

Remembering a Life Well Lived

John Harold Free lived a life that brought together many different roles.

He was a husband and father, grandfather and great-grandfather, mechanical engineer, outdoorsman, traveler, football fan and committed Christian.

Each of those roles created different memories for the people who knew him.

For his family, however, his most meaningful legacy will likely remain the relationships he built and the love he shared with them.

His professional accomplishments will be remembered, as will his passion for the outdoors and his travels. But the stories, lessons and family moments accumulated over his 70 years will continue to keep his memory close.

John Harold Free will be remembered as a devoted family man whose life was grounded in faith, strengthened by resilience and enriched by his love for family, work, travel and the outdoors.

May John Harold Free rest in peace, and may Deborah, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends find comfort in the many memories and years they were fortunate enough to share with him.

Disclaimer

This obituary is based on the information available at the time of publication. John Harold Free was reported to have passed away on February 7, 2026, at Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 70.

The information provided does not specify his cause of death, and no particular illness or medical condition should be assumed without confirmation from his family or another appropriate source.

This article is intended for general informational and memorial purposes. Personal, family and funeral information should be confirmed through the official obituary, funeral home or family when necessary.