Eric Freeby '98: 2019 Alumnus of the Year

Congratulations to Mr. Eric Freeby, Class of 1998, our Fort Worth Christian Alumnus of the Year for 2019!

Eric was chosen by way of a collaborative process from alumni, teachers, and current school leadership. In late August, nominations were sought via email to FWC Alumni, via email to current FWC faculty, and on all FWC social media channels. Several dozen names were submitted. Our Alumni Relations department made recommendations to our Head of School, Ken Cheeseman, who made the call to Eric.

Eric has been married to Randi Freeby for 17 years (Randi, also an FWC grad, currently teaches 4th grade at FWC). They have two children that attend FWC. Cason is in the 7th grade and Braden is in the 5th grade. Eric is involved in the FWC Dads Club and has coached many FWC students in youth sports. The Freebys attend The Hills Church (North Richland Hills Campus). Eric and Randi serve in several ministries, but are primarily involved in the Student Ministry and, together with other FWC parents, host a student group on Sunday evenings. And 

After FWC, Eric graduated from Texas Tech University with degrees in Political Science and English. In 2005, Eric went to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he received his J.D. with honors and passed the state bar the same year.

Eric is currently a principal attorney for the Fort Worth law firm of Brown Pruitt Wambsganss Dean Forman & Moore, P.C., a full-service law firm with offices in Fort Worth and in Southlake. Eric’s practice is devoted almost exclusively to adoption law, He was named among the Top Attorneys in Fort Worth in 2019. Eric has also served as the Co-Chair of Tarrant County’s National Adoption Day.

His professional expertise in adoption law has afforded Eric the opportunity to work with a number of adoption agencies in Texas.  

“Eric is extremely dedicated - to not only to the laws that are established to protect the children in the adoption arena, but also the agencies that serve the children and their parents,” said Andrea Damone-Brown, the Executive Director of Texas Christian Adoptions. “He is always there to assist whenever needed. His knowledge of adoption laws are unparalleled, and I am proud that he assists Texas Christian Adoptions in all of our adoptions. He has also generously spoken at our adoption workshops or functions whenever needed. It is a true privilege to work with him!”

Sharla Bundy, Family Services Caseworker in the Central Texas office for Christian Homes and Family Services (CHFS), offered these positive words about Eric. “It is a blessing to work with an attorney like Eric Freeby as we help families grow and create forever homes for children. From answering phone calls any time of the day or night to being a compassionate ear to clients, we can rest in the fact that families will be taken care of because each case is handled ethically and each family is his priority.” Bob Parkhill, former Vice President of CHFS, added this: “Eric is one of those people who has truly made a difference in the lives of people. Eric is one who thinks outside the box to solve issues and bring families together through adoption. He's sensitive to young women considering adoption because he understands sacrificial love as only a Christian can. His patience and calm demeanor has helped many adoptive families through challenging times. He's one of the best men I've been blessed to know.”

Eric is a frequent author and presenter on topics related to adoption law. A co-author, Heidi Bruegel Cox, General Counsel & Executive Vice President of Gladney Center for Adoption based in Fort Worth, shared these thoughts about working with Freeby. “Eric exemplifies everything positive in an attorney: compassion for his clients, organized planning and execution of every detail, and long-term thinking to ensure the best outcomes possible for children,” said Cox. “Eric has also become a leader in the adoption community, both in Texas and across the country. You could not have chosen a better person for this esteemed recognition.” 

A 12-year senior at FWC, Eric participated in student council, ran track, and played football all 4 years. He was named Honorable Mention All-District his senior year. One of Eric’s favorite memories from elementary was the fantastic lunches. During Eric’s time, the cafeteria was located in what is now the Lena Nelson Chapel inside the Middle School. “Students’ moms mostly ran the cafeteria and we had great food,” said Freeby. 

Fellow ‘98 classmate and current FWC parent, Vance Smith, had this say: “I have known Eric since 9th grade when I transferred into FWC. Eric and I made many great memories on the football field (he was the best 175 lb. pulling guard I have ever played with), taking trips to his Lake House on Whitney, going snow skiing and visiting each other in Lubbock & College Station during college. Eric has always been a good friend that you knew you could count on. Eric is a very humble man of few words but when he speaks everyone listens. Eric is a very caring, loyal and loving father & husband. Eric is very deserving of this award. Go CARDS!”

Eric shared his thoughts about Fort Worth Christian.

“FWC has shaped almost every aspect of my life and I would not have it any other way. FWC is where my parents met, my wife graduated, and my children now go to school. Some of my earliest memories are at FWC and it is a blessing to see my children growing up in the same environment. FWC truly lives up to its vision, ‘Empowering students for a lifetime of faith, service, and leadership for Christ.’ I am proud to call myself an FWC alum and parent.”

As noted in his nomination by another ’98 classmate, Cal Smallwood, “Eric exemplifies leadership for Christ in his professional career, as well as in his family life and in our community.”

As Head of School, Mr. Cheeseman added his own thoughts about recognizing Freeby for this annual award. “As I recently told our Upper School students in chapel, my daily prayer is that each one of them would live out our school’s vision:  leading a life of faith, service, and leadership for Christ.  I encouraged our students to know the intersection of their gifts/talents and their passions and to influence the world from that place of strength and joy.  In reading about and talking to so many others, it is clear that Eric is a model for our FWC students in living from that place. It is clear that he is, as we read in the Lord’s prayer, making ‘here on earth as it is in heaven.’ Thank you for your life of faithfulness Eric!”

Because he embodies our vision, Fort Worth Christian School proudly recognizes Eric Freeby, Class of 1998, as the 2019 Alumnus of the Year.