Honoring the Galleria's Beloved Icon: A Community's Tribute to Ronald Freeze

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Hoover, Alabama, community has rallied together to ensure a proper burial for a familiar face at the Riverchase Galleria – Ronald Freeze, affectionately known as the "Galleria Elvis." Despite his humble demeanor and limited personal connections, Freeze's impact on the lives of those he encountered has inspired a remarkable outpouring of support and a desire to celebrate his legacy.

Preserving the Memory of a Beloved Local Figure

A Fixture at the Galleria

Ronald Freeze was a well-known and beloved figure at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Alabama. With his distinctive jet-black hair, sideburns, and eyebrows, he was instantly recognizable to shoppers and mall employees alike. Freeze was an avid walker, often seen "trapsing the Galleria," as described by Trish Garmon, the organizer of the fundraiser for his burial. His familiarity with the mall's layout and his friendly demeanor made him a familiar and comforting presence for many.

A Generous Spirit

Despite the limited information known about Freeze's personal life, Garmon recounts that he had a lively spirit and a generous nature. At the mall, he would sometimes give away candy and cookies to store employees, a gesture that endeared him to the community. This small act of kindness, though seemingly simple, left a lasting impression on those who encountered Freeze and his willingness to brighten the days of others.

A Veteran's Legacy

Garmon later discovered that Freeze had served in the Army, adding another layer to his story and the respect he commanded from the community. His military service, combined with his friendly and approachable demeanor, further cemented his status as a beloved figure within the Hoover community.

A Tragic Passing

Tragically, Freeze passed away in late August without any close relatives to ensure a proper burial. This news struck a chord with Garmon, who felt compelled to step in and organize a fundraiser to cover the funeral costs. She recognized that Freeze was a familiar face to many in the community and that his passing deserved to be honored with a dignified farewell.

A Community's Response

Garmon's efforts to raise funds for Freeze's funeral have been met with an overwhelming response from the Hoover community. More than 100 people have already donated to the GoFundMe campaign, and the Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home has generously offered to provide a casket, a plot, and a vault for the burial. This outpouring of support reflects the deep impact Freeze had on the lives of those he encountered, and the community's desire to ensure he receives a proper sendoff.

A Legacy of Kindness

As the fundraising efforts continue, Garmon has emphasized the importance of honoring Freeze's memory by encouraging others to reach out and connect with those in need. She believes that Freeze's legacy should be one of kindness and compassion, where individuals are inspired to offer a helping hand or a friendly gesture to those who may be overlooked or in need of attention. This sentiment resonates with the community, who are eager to carry on Freeze's spirit of generosity and care for one another.

A Fitting Farewell

Once the necessary funds have been raised, a funeral date will be set, and the community will have the opportunity to gather and pay their respects to Ronald Freeze. Organizers have also expressed a willingness to accept flower donations for his grave site or a headstone, further demonstrating the community's desire to provide a fitting and meaningful farewell for this beloved local figure.The story of Ronald Freeze and the Hoover community's response to his passing serves as a poignant reminder of the power of human connection and the impact a single individual can have on a community. Through their collective efforts to ensure Freeze's proper burial, the people of Hoover have not only honored his memory but have also inspired others to embrace the values of kindness, compassion, and community that Freeze embodied during his lifetime.