Hoover community raises money for funeral of ‘Galleria Man’

HOOVER, Ala. ( WIAT ) — After 81-year-old Ronald Wilburn Freeze died last month, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office asked for the public’s help in finding relatives, but none came forward.

Now, over $4,000 has been raised to pay for the Hoover man’s funeral. Icon is the word people use to describe Freeze.

For as long as Trish Garmon can remember, he has walked around Riverchase Galleria every day. His distinctive sideburns and jet-black hair became a staple at the mall.

When Garmon heard Freeze died, and no one was claiming his body, she knew she had to do something.

“It broke my heart,” Garmon said. “It absolutely shattered me.”

The thought of Freeze being all alone after death was something Garmon couldn’t stand.

“You’re thinking about he was loved by someone at some point, so why not give that love back in some way,” Garmon said.

Garmon is giving the love back by taking responsibility for Freeze’s funeral. She has spent hours working with Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home.

Freeze was well known by those at Riverchase Galleria. Employees said conversations with the man were few and far in between, but you could always expect a warm smile.

Another spot Freeze could be found was the library. Tara Barnes has worked at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest for a decade. She said his absence in the library will be felt.

“He was always so friendly,” Barnes said. “He was a good character to have around.”

Garmon has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for Freeze’s funeral. Her goal is to raise $15,000 to ensure the man known by so many is buried the proper way.

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