F. Freeman Funk, Longtime City Manager, Dies at 94; Helped Modernize Fredericksburg

Consider, if you will, how much Fredericksburg changed from 1955-1978.

That's the span during which F. Freeman Funk was city manager.

The 94-year-old died July 8 but not, as the Free Lance-Star reported, before writing his own obituary.

So let's get to it. Funk noted that he wanted to be remembered for:

". . . the racial integration of city workforces, initiation of the use of a computer in performing office tasks (the first small city in Virginia to do so), introduction of radio communications and mechanization of the public works department, adoption of the landfill method for solid waste disposal, construction and operation of the first wastewater treatment plant in the area, partnering with Spotsylvania County in the construction and operation of a modern water treatment plant.”

And this:

"It was once said that 'he brought the City into the 20th century.' ''

And that pretty much says it all. Or not.

Here's what former Free Lance-Star editor Ed Jones, who also covered Funk while a reporter, had to say:

“It is said that the mettle of a man is determined by how he carries himself during good times and tough times. And on that score, Freeman Funk was more impressive than any public servant I have ever met.”