Finest “W.C.” Freeman Jr. 1935-1996

Finest “W.C.” Freeman Jr. and his motorcycle in the Racine, Wisconsin 1976 Fourth of July parade.
Racine Journal Times, August 3, 1978. Finest Freeman's motorcycle in all its regal glory Finest cycle is 'chrome castle' By Patrick Reilly Journal Times Staff When Finest Freeman of 1645 Racine St. rides his motorcycle down the street it tends to grab people's attention. His Harley-Davidson bike has two wheels, two fenders and a motor, but that's where the similarities between Freeman's cycle and other bikes ends. Of course not every motorcycle has a digital clock, AM-FM stereo in dash 8-track player, loudspeakers and headphones, and red mock-velvet. But Freeman's does. The bike has fake red velvet covering the gas tank, fenders, saddle bags and virtually every part of the machine. The seat is of matching red leather and resembles a small horse saddle. Add to that, glistening silver knobs running along the front and rear axles and leather straps hanging from the seat and saddle bags. That's Freeman's bike at a glance: a movable chrome castle. But Freeman's bike is not finished. He still has more changes and more things to add to the bike he began remodeling in 1969. "I had been riding a motorcycle since 1966 and when the doctor told me to stay off my bike while I was recovering from a bladder ailment I started rebuilding the bike to keep busy," Freeman said. "I wanted to get back on a bike so bad I started working on this bike." Freeman bought the 1969 Harley-Davidson bike from a dealer who had been trying to sell it for months. When Freeman bought it the bike had no brakes and was so covered with dirt that his wife's first reaction when she saw it was "get rid of the dirty thing." Instead, he began remodeling it. He said it was nothing to start with, just an engine, fenders and a frame. "I just didn't want it to look like anybody else's Harley," Freeman said. From that point it took many working hours, money and patience to get the bike to the condition where Freeman can enter it in custom motorcycle shows around the Midwest and southern United States. Freeman often takes his bike to custom cycle shows in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois to show with other bikers, though the farthest he has actually rode the bike is Davenport, Iowa. He has taken his bike to shows in Madison, Janesville and Elkhorn and has won about 20 trophies in custom bike competition, he said. Besides shows, Freeman also rides his bike in parades. While riding in Racine's July 4th parade, Freeman was asked to ride in Milwaukee's Halloween parade by a parade representative. Freeman appreciates the recognition, but it has meant sacrifices. He estimates that since he started working on the bike it has cost him $12,000 in parts, additions and improvements. As for time spent, he figures about 700 working hours. "Some of my friends can't see where I find the patience to work long hours on the bike," Freeman said. "I spend all my spare time working on it. I don't care about fishing, hunting, or going to taverns. It takes just so much time to do things right." Before Freeman puts on a new piece of ornamentation he makes drawings of the addition and then cardboard models to see if it will "work out." He often will ask help from friends in the sheet metal industry to fabricate many of the parts that must be made according to Freeman's design. No matter how many changes and additions he makes to the bike, Freeman said he keeps the bike safe and rideable, and always wears his helmet. "You can play with the back end but you can't do much with the front end," Freeman said. "You have to be careful what you put on a cycle. If you put on too much the bike gets out of balance and wobbles." Journal Times Photos by Arthur P. Haas Freeman and the bike that started out as a 1969 Harley-Davidson
Racine Journal Times, August 3, 1978. Finest cycle is ‘chrome castle’
**Finest ‘W.C.’ Freeman Jr.** RACINE — Mr. Finest ‘W.C.’ Freeman Jr., 60, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Racine on Monday, April 29, 1996, after a short illness. Mr. Freeman was born in New Albany, Miss. on July 12, 1935, to the union of Finest Freeman Sr. and Eteria (nee: McNeal) Freeman. He resided in Racine for 50 years. On February 21, 1953, he was united in marriage to O.T. Wray. To this union four children were born. Mr. Freeman was a hard-working man. He worked various jobs over the years, finishing his career at S.C. Johnson Wax as a Supervisor after working 30 years, retiring in September of 1991. He continued to work part-time at the Johnson Foundation. Family was the most important thing in Mr. Freeman’s life. Along with spending time with his family, he was an active member of the South Gate Lodge No. 6 F. & A.M. and a former Cub Scout Leader. He had a special love for motorcycles and enjoyed riding and customizing his motorcycle for competitive field meets. His 1969 customized Harley Davidson won many trophies. Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, O.T. of Racine; three sons, Don, James (Wenonah) of Madison, and Willie (Ida); one daughter, Denise Lynn Freeman, both of Racine; 17 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; mother and father, Finest and Eteria Freeman Sr.; brother, Russell (Arrilla) Freeman; and sister-in-law, Patricia Freeman of New Albany, Miss. He is further survived by six sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his brother, Willie Hayes Freeman. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 3, 1996, at Wayman AME Church, 424 North Memorial Drive, at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Emmett Lee officiating. Interment at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service. J.W. WILKERSON FUNERAL HOME 800 Barker Street 637-6400
Racine Journal Times, May 2, 1996, obituary of Finest “W.C.” Freeman Jr.
Freeman Loving Mother O. T. Dec. 5, 1935 Married Feb. 21, 1953 Devoted Father Finest Jr. "W.C." July 12, 1935 Apr. 29, 1996
Mr. Finest “W.C.” Freeman Jr. is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Racine, Wisconsin.