Tommy Freeze

Mr. Larry Thomas “Tommy” Freeze, age 79 of Wilkesboro passed away January 24, 2023, at SECU Hospice Home in Yadkinville. 

Tommy was born February 23, 1943, in Massillon, OH to Kent Thomas and Addie Ima Talbert Freeze. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Dwight Isenhour of Gastonia, NC. 

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Isenhour Freeze of the home. Tommy and Glenda would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in August; a daughter, Lisa Freeze of Wilkesboro; a son, Bryan Freeze and wife Shelia of Mooresville; three grandchildren: John Matthews of Braselton, GA, Meredith Matthews of Summerville, SC, Madeline Freeze of Mooresville; a sister, Judy Brewer of Mooresville; a brother, Mike Freeze and wife Lottie of Mooresville; brother-in-law Billy Isenhour and wife Marsha of Clyde, NC, brother-in-law Gary Isenhour of Lexington, NC, and many nieces and nephews. 

Tommy’s family and friends would describe him as smart, responsible, dependable, friendly, tough, tireless, fearless, confident, integris, opinionated, frugal, conversational, always available, an electrician, builder, plumber, mechanic (not shade-tree but top of the line), Mr. Fix-It,  Captain Cool.  He took great care of his family and loved them dearly, especially his grandchildren.  Tommy was a role model and taught us much. 

Tommy grew up in Mooresville, NC, and was a graduate of Mooresville High School. Tommy joined the Army National Guard Reserves during his senior year of high school and was promoted to second lieutenant.  He worked for his father’s sheet metal business during his youth, later opening his own sheet metal business, he was a draftsman for Duke Power, then joined the Mooresville Police Department before deciding that he wanted to learn to fly.  Tommy earned his pilot’s license in September 1965 and had a stellar career. He began his profession as an air taxi pilot for Miller Aviation in Statesville, NC, flew for Kincaid Engineering in Gastonia, Fiveco Inc. in Cheraw, SC, then in 1970, moved to Wilkesboro to become a corporate pilot for Lowe’s Companies.  Afterwards, he flew briefly for Comm/Scope in Catawba, NC, before transitioning to Gardner Mirror Corporation in North Wilkesboro where he served not only as their corporate pilot, but was also their Credit Manager and oversaw various aspects of the manufacturing plants.  Tommy became pilot for Bill Davis Racing in High Point, NC, followed by Ward Burton Aviation in South Boston, VA.  Tommy later piloted for Josh Comstock (JRC Investments) in Corpus Christie, TX, and managed the company’s Embraer Legacy 145 jet before transitioning to C&J Energy, Houston, TX.  Tommy retired from flying in August 2017.

Tommy was a member of First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro for 52 years and loved the church, serving on many committees, was a deacon, usher, greeter, president of the Brotherhood, Sunday school teacher, tirelessly and willfully served the church and its members with anything they needed - transportation, help in their homes, maintenance and repairs at the church.  Tommy looked forward to Wednesday night services and particularly enjoyed meals prepared by Mike Bullock, especially biscuits and gravy.  Tommy was known as one of the smartest men anyone ever knew. He knew how to do just about everything, could fix anything and was always willing to help friends and neighbors no matter what they needed.  

Memorial services will be held at First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro with Dr. Bert Young on Saturday, February 11 at 1:00 PM.  A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church North Wilkesboro (firstbaptistnw.org or P.O. Box 458, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659) or Hope Ministries (514 Elkin Highway, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659). 

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.