Gary Wilson Free, II

Gary Wilson Free II, 65, affectionately known to many as "FreeBird," of Brunswick, Maryland, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland. 

He was born on June 18, 1961, in Ranson, West Virginia, to the late Gary Wilson Free and Frances Marie Free (Snoots). Throughout most of his working life, Gary was employed by Hopwood Enterprises and Klinedinst Management.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 24 years, Lucille Victoria Free. The two met in Frederick, Maryland, in 1991 and were married on February 14, 2000. He leaves behind his three children: his son, Steven Clark Bittinger; his daughter, Jaclyn Nicole Free; and his youngest daughter, Kaitlyn Marie Free. They will carry with them a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and lessons from a father who was anything but ordinary. 

If there was one thing you could say about Gary, it was that he was unapologetically himself. Loud, outspoken, hilarious, and never one to hold back what was on his mind. He had a personality that could fill a room, a story for just about any occasion, and a way of making friends wherever he went. Gary wasn't the kind of man who needed a reason to strike up a conversation. He could talk to just about anyone about just about anything, and chances were, he'd know a thing or two about it. He was a true jack of all trades, with a lifetime of knowledge, experiences, and stories that could keep you entertained for hours. Behind that big personality was a man with an enormous heart and a deep love for his family. Gary was a provider who would go to the ends of the earth for the people he loved. He could be stern when he needed to be, but he never believed in taking life too seriously. He was humble, hardworking, incredibly knowledgeable, and, above all, one of a kind. If it had an engine, chances are Gary loved it. 

A lifelong drag racing enthusiast, he was happiest around fast cars, loud engines, and a good set of tools. He had a special love for his '73 Plymouth Duster and was a devoted Mopar fanatic. As a master mechanic, there wasn't much he couldn't fix. If something was broken, Gary was probably already figuring out how to get it running again. And his love for speed certainly didn't stop at cars. Whether it was his Harley, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, or just about anything else with a motor, Gary was always up for a ride. He was, without a doubt, a speed demon. When he wasn't working on something with an engine, Gary could often be found enjoying some of his other favorite pastimes: fishing, hunting, and music. Music was more than just a hobby for him. He was a talented guitar player and drummer with a true passion for rock and roll. Metallica, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Black Sabbath were among the bands that helped make up the soundtrack of his life. 

Gary lived life his own way, on his own terms, and at his own speed. He wasn't a quiet man, he wasn't a conventional man, and he certainly wasn't someone who blended into the background. He was a little rough around the edges, full of personality, and absolutely impossible to forget. He leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind stories that will be told for years, laughter that will never be forgotten, and a legacy that is unmistakably his. His presence may be gone, but anyone who knew Gary knows that a man like him is never truly forgotten. 

Heaven just got a little louder. FLY HIGH FREEBIRD. 🦅🖤