Reverend Hugh Freeman Chase

Reverend Hugh Freeman Chase, 91, of Fremont, NC, went home peacefully to be with his Lord and Saviour on February 27th, 2018, while in the compassionate care of SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC.

He was born on July 17th, 1926, in Wayne County, NC, the first of 10 children. After attending high school in Wayne County, NC he went on to complete his Bachelors Degree at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, NC. During his early adult years he lived in Richmond, Virginia, and commuted to his home in Patetown, NC, often flying a Piper J3 Cub that he owned, landing on a dirt strip outside the family home. Accepting a call into the ministry, he began a lifetime of service to his Heavenly Father, serving as a Church of God pastor for over 40 years, including four years of service as a missionary in El Salvador, Central America. The majority of those years were spent as the pastor of two churches, being York, PA, and Switzer, WV, where he leaves many dear friends and loved ones. He retired in 1998, at which time he joined his current home church, the Fremont Church of God, where he continued to serve, filling the pulpit when needed, teaching Sunday School, playing the piano, and playing the saxophone.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Chase; his son, Michael and wife Marcia; two grandsons, Andrew and Austin; brothers, James (Audrey), Delton (Ruth), Johnny (LaVonne), Bobby Keith (Paulette), sisters, Virginia Byrd (Bob), Eva Hehl and Barbara Forehand (Mickey) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Lillie Mae Edwards Chase; his parents, William Herman Chase and Mary Angelina “Lina” Taylor Chase; a brother, William Chase and a sister, Lela Mae Chase Grimes.

In addition to his family, he dearly loved and served his Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved music, having the ability to play several instruments including the piano, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, accordion, trumpet, and the saxophone. As a licensed pilot for many years, he loved to fly when he was able to, and passed that love down to his son. In addition to flying here in the United States, he also had the ability to fly often while serving as a missionary, flying to numerous countries of Central America. He also enjoyed a garden in earlier years, growing tomatoes from seeds, and always enjoying a fresh tomato sandwich.

On a bright blue sunshiny day, you would see his eyes visit the sky, and say, “this would be a good day to be a bird!”, He was always a pilot at heart.

Sincere appreciation, gratitude, and thanks to the staff of Community Home Health and Hospice, Goldsboro NC, and the staff of SECU Hospice House, Smithfield, NC.

Funeral services will be held Friday evening, March 02, 2018 from the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro at 7 p.m., followed immediately by visitation with the family.  Burial will follow on Saturday, March 03, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Chase Family Cemetary in Patetown.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions may be made in his name to the Church of God World Missions Office, 2490 Keith St, NW, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311. (800-345-7492). http://www.cogwm.org

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