Dr. René Joseph Freret

Dr. René Joseph Freret, 82, of Souderton, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 31, 2026, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. René faced this challenge with unwavering faith in the Lord, always reading Scripture and encouraging those around him. He loved Jesus deeply and wanted everyone he met to know Him and understand what Jesus had done for them.

René was born at home in Pineville, MS, on January 3, 1944, to James and Pearl Freret, one of 14 children. He attended Perkinston Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi, where his greatest joy was meeting his beloved future wife, Freda. They were happily married on December 27, 1966. He loved Freda with his whole being and she was always the person he looked for and wanted by his side. He loved his children so very much and was always ready to listen, offer advice, or share a funny story. He dearly loved his brothers and sisters and his extended family, and he was always so happy to see or hear from them.

René served in the Army National Guard at Fort Benning, GA. In the absence of an active Chaplain, he served in this capacity. Upon returning home from active duty he also served as Chaplain in the Army National Guard Reserves in Gulfport, MS.

René often shared, “The greatest call on my life was being saved, coming to know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. When I got saved, my whole life changed! God gave me a burden for souls and for preaching.” René felt a clear calling into the ministry and was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1967. His pastoral ministry included New Hope Baptist Church in McNeill, MS; Central Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS; and Forest Hills Baptist Church in Benton, AR. He also served as Assistant Pastor under Dr. Jimmy Tharpe at Baptist Tabernacle in Shreveport, LA. While in Shreveport, he attended Baptist Christian University, where he earned a Master’s degree, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Louisiana Baptist University.

In 1973, he founded Temple Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS, where he lovingly pastored for 24 years. Driven by a burden for the lost and a vision for local church plants, he led the congregation to establish seven church plants, a worldwide Faith Promise missions program, Temple Christian Academy, and Temple Baptist Institute. On June 1, 1996, he became the President and Executive Director of Bible Education and Missionary Service (BEAMS). He retired on June 1, 2021, and was honored with the title of President Emeritus.

René was the "real deal"—the same person in private as he was in public. He possessed a rare gift for making everyone around him feel truly special and seen. René actively served his community in numerous capacities, including Commissioner of the Harrison County Fire Department, Chairman of the Gulfport City Councilmen’s Annexation Task Force, Chaplain of the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Chaplain of the Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Trustee of Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, member of the Board of Directors for the American Association of Christian Schools and Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Christian Schools.

René is survived by Freda, his beloved wife of 59 years; his four children, Katherine, Grace, Stephen, and Rachel, and their spouses; nine wonderful grandchildren; and five precious great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers and five sisters, Robert, Michael, James III, Louise, Helen, Sharon, Judy, and Jamie, along with their spouses, and a large, loving extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, and brothers- and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Carroll and Pearl Gordy Freret, four brothers, and one sister (Eddie, David, Michael E., James Jr., and Elizabeth).

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11 am at the Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home, 667 Harleysville Pike; Telford, PA 18969, where family and friends may call from 9:30 am to 10:45 am. Those unable to attend the service may view it via livestream by clicking HERE.

Interment to follow at Whitemarsh Memorial Park Cemetery, 1169 Limekiln Pike; Ambler, PA 19002

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11 am at Faith Baptist Church, 8467 Canal Rd; Gulfport, MS 39503, where family and friends may call from 9:30 am to 10:45 am. Those unable to attend the service may view it via livestream by clicking HERE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BEAMS for Bibles in memory of René Freret by clicking HERE or by contacting the BEAMS office at 228-832-1096.