George Gostin Freeney

Gostin Freeney could have lived anywhere and could have shared his talents on a much larger stage. Instead, after his discharge from the U.S. Navy, he chose to return to Macon, his hometown, to pursue a career in radio and in the burgeoning new media — television. He attended Wesleyan College, at the time one of the few area colleges or universities offering courses related to the field of broadcasting. At Wesleyan, he particularly enjoyed classes in the drama department, an interest he would pursue throughout his life.

After college he began his career in radio and was a pioneer in the early days of television's popularity. Gostin retired as General Sales Manager of Channel 13, WMAZ-TV, after four decades in the industry, in the late 1990s. He was a familiar figure in Macon, not only in his professional capacity, but as an active member of the Macon Exchange Club and as an actor at the Macon Little Theater where he served on the board of directors and as president. Among his favorite plays in which he participated on stage were Fiddler on the Roof (as Tevye), My Fair Lady and South Pacific.

Gostin was an emeritus advisory board member for the Salvation Army and served at one time as the chaplain for the Georgia Jaycees. He was a member of Idle Hour Country Club and a member of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church.

He was a son of the late Emma Freeney Edwards and of Hubert Freeney and was predeceased by his son, Foyle Perkins. Gostin is survived by Judy, his wife of 46 years, daughter, Deborah (Billy) Bray, daughter-in-law, Tracie Perkins, granddaughters, Laurel (Keith) Spires, Angel Perkins, Ashley (Greg) Fleshman, grandsons, Nick Perkins, Ryan (Amber) Allen and great grandchildren, Cole and Pate Spires, Lily Perkins, Cadence, Emilie and Rockwell Allen, and Noah Fleshman.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 2, at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church with pastor, Rev. Matt Woodbery and associate pastor, Rev. Jeff Cook, officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 — 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 1, at Harts Mortuary, Cherry Street. Gostin's family requests that, in addition to flowers, memorial contributions be considered for the Salvation Army, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, or The Macon Little Theater.

Please sign the online guest registry at www.hartsmort.com.

Harts Mortuary, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.