Visitation for E. Carl Freeman, Jr. will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on January 8, 2026 at Bennett Funeral Home (Glen Allen/West Chapel). A memorial service will be held at River Road Church, Baptist on January 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary and livestreamed at rrcb.org/carlfreeman. A reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow.
Dear River Road Church family,
It is with deep sadness that I write to share the news that our beloved Minister of Music Emeritus, E. Carl Freeman, Jr., died this afternoon. At the same time, with profound gratitude, we give thanks for all he has meant to our church.
Carl’s life and ministry are woven into the very fabric of River Road Church. For forty-two years (1968–2010), he served among us as Minister of Music—shaping not only what we sang, but how we worshiped. His tenure among us was remarkable in length, distinction, and spiritual depth, and its influence will long outlive us.
Carl came to River Road at the age of thirty-two, drawn by a shared vision for worship marked by beauty, reverence, and excellence. From the beginning, he gave this church his whole heart. As Minister of Music, he provided the musical soul of our worship—week after week, season after season—through Sunday services, concerts, special occasions, weddings, memorial services, and countless rehearsals. What many experienced as effortless beauty was, in truth, the fruit of tireless preparation, high standards, and deep devotion to God.
Under Carl’s leadership, the music ministry at River Road became known far beyond Richmond. He cultivated a classical, reverent, and high-church musical tradition, offered with warmth and an ecumenical spirit. Choir members learned quickly that Carl demanded excellence—not only because he expected it of others, but because he demanded it first of himself. And yet, alongside that discipline was genuine care, pastoral attentiveness, and abiding love for the people he served. In recognition of his ministry, we were proud to name him Minister of Music Emeritus upon his retirement.
Today we grieve the loss of a gifted musician, a devoted minister, and a faithful servant of Christ. At the same time, we give thanks for a life poured out so fully in service to God and to this congregation. In the days ahead, we will share information about arrangements and opportunities to give thanks for Carl’s life together. For now, I invite you to hold his family, and one another, in prayer.
Peace,
Daniel E. Glaze
Pastor, River Road Church