Freddie Ray Cleland

It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Freddie Ray Cleland, a proud Air Force veteran and lifelong outdoorsman, who departed this life on October 20, 2025, at the age of 70.

Born on May 16, 1955, in Hampton, SC, Freddie Ray is predeceased by his parents, Walter Freddie and Evelyn Terry Cleland. He was a man of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and an advocate for what he believed in. After graduating from R.B. Stall High School in 1973, he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving for over six years with distinction. His time in uniform was marked by courage, commitment, and an unwavering brotherhood with his fellow airmen—bonds of which he cherished for his lifetime.

His love of music started in high school where he was selected to sing in the All-State Chorus. He played bass and acoustic guitar, singing with local bands such as City Heat and Custom 4 plus 2. He was an outstanding musician never learning how to read musical notes but was able to play by ear.

After his military career, Freddie Ray worked many civil service jobs such as Heavy Equipment and Crane Operator with the Charleston Naval Shipyard and the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Charleston and also Locomotive Engineer at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He retired in 2019 with 30+ years of military and civilian service.  He was also a Master Member of the Dorchester Lodge #369 of the active Free Masons.

After retirement, he returned to a life of which he cherished—one surrounded by the open skies and wooded trails. A skilled and passionate hunter, he found solace in nature. Whether tracking deer in the early morning fog or sitting silently in a tree stand at dusk, he felt most at home beneath the trees. Hunting and fishing was not just a pastime; it was a way of life that reflected his patience, respect for the land, and quiet introspection. When he wasn’t hunting, you could find him on the golf course or boating in the waterways of Charleston.

He was blessed with many pets during his lifetime, treating them as his children. His beloved Boykin Spaniels would always accompany him on his many hunts.

He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. His loyalty ran deep, his word was his bond, and his dry sense of humor often brought unexpected smiles to those lucky enough to know him well.

He is survived by his sisters, Faye Brewer (Richard) and Christie Kemmerlin, and brothers’ Randy Cleland (Daphne) and Carey Cleland along with many nieces and nephews who will remember him as a steady presence, a man of meaningful words, and someone who lived life on his own terms.

A memorial service will be held at Riverbluff Church (5421 Riverbluff Pkwy; North Charleston, SC 29420) on Saturday, October 25th at 3:00pm; with family visitation starting at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Freddie Ray’s memory to either The Boykin Spaniel Society at boykinspaniel.org or Disabled American Veterans at help.dav.org.