Longtime Moose Lodge Member Ralph Freeman Dies at 84

Freeman, a retiree from Western Auto and Oil Express, was active in the Loyal Order of the Moose and Elks Lodge.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Ralph Arnold Freeman, a longtime resident of Greeneville, Tennessee, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 84. Freeman retired from Western Auto and Oil Express and was an active member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge No. 692 and the Elks Lodge.

Why it matters

Freeman's passing marks the end of an era for the Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge in Greeneville, as he was a dedicated member who held the highest honor in service, the Pilgrim Degree. His involvement in these community organizations highlights the importance of fraternal groups in small towns.

The details

Freeman is survived by his daughter Michelle Bible, son Rodney Freeman, bonus daughter Linda Cogdell Rector, sister Evelyn Stevens, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, a brother, and an infant grandson.

  • Ralph Arnold Freeman passed away on February 12, 2026.
  • Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 15th from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
  • A Moose Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 15th.
  • Funeral services will be on Monday, February 16th at 10:15 a.m., with the committal service at 11 a.m.

The players

Ralph Arnold Freeman

An 84-year-old resident of Greeneville, Tennessee who retired from Western Auto and Oil Express and was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge No. 692 and the Elks Lodge.

Michelle Bible

Ralph Freeman's daughter.

Rodney Freeman

Ralph Freeman's son.

Linda Cogdell Rector

Ralph Freeman's bonus daughter.

Evelyn Stevens

Ralph Freeman's sister.

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The takeaway

Ralph Freeman's lifelong dedication to the Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge in Greeneville highlights the enduring importance of fraternal organizations in small communities, even as larger societal trends have led to declining membership in such groups over the decades.