W
illiam H. "Bill" Freeman, a prominent figure in Nashville's business community and a leading fundraiser for the Democratic Party, passed away at 73 on Sunday night. The cause of death is unknown.

    Born in Nashville, Freeman attended the University of Tennessee before dropping out to pursue a career in real estate. He co-founded Freeman Webb Company with Jimmy Webb in 1979, after working for the Metro Development and Housing Agency. Freeman's fundraising efforts made him the most significant Democratic fundraiser in Tennessee and the Southeast, supporting President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden, and numerous local and federal candidates.

    Freeman was an early endorser of Biden, who appointed him to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. He also served as treasurer of the Tennessee Democratic Party in 2009 and a member of the White House Historical Association. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell praised Freeman's "tenacity and commitment," saying the city, state, and nation are better for his efforts.

    Freeman stepped down from the Metro Nashville Airport Authority in March and ran for mayor in 2015, finishing third after being edged out of a runoff. He was an avid pilot, practiced martial arts, and is survived by his wife, Babs Tinsley Freeman, and three sons, including state Rep. Bob Freeman.