Richard Fleming Obituary

Richard Dan Fleming, 81, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024 after a brief illness. He is now in the presence of his Savior; Jesus and his soul is at perfect peace. Dan was born in Virgie, KY, raised in Weber City, VA and then lived the majority of his life in Kingsport, TN. He was the youngest of Tandy Jack "T.J." and Gladys Fleming's 7 children - siblings were Jack Fleming, Peggy (Fleming) King, Dobbin Fleming, Bob Fleming, Gabe Fleming and Linda (Fleming) McCann. He also grew up alongside 4 very special cousins - Ronnie, Roger, John & Lisa Kennedy.

Dan's smile was infectious, and he gave the biggest, best hugs. He always had a quick one-liner joke ready for any occasion and enjoyed making people laugh. In his younger days, Dan loved the game of football and playing for Gate City Blue Devils as their quarterback. He also enjoyed working on and restoring cars. He could fix almost anything... a car engine, an appliance, leaky faucet, or a broken toy for one of his grandchildren, and did so, happily. He had the kindest, most generous heart. Dan was a member of Fort Robinson Baptist Church in Kingsport where he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School for many years and made precious memories and life-long friends there.

Dan was recently preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Joyce (Gilliam) Fleming. Dan is survived by son, Tod Fleming and wife, Patricia; daughter, Dawn Bowen and husband, Chris. In addition, Dan was survived by his 5 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly... Grandchildren: Brandon (Karissa) Fleming, Jordan Fleming, Kathryn Fleming-Morales, Tori (Will) Humphreys, Nick (Kayla) Bowen; Step-Grandchildren: Dustin (Amanda) Kilgore and Brittany (Matt) Morelock; he was blessed with 16 great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are Dan's in-laws, Alice Arnold, Sandra (Jack) Hammonds, and Doris (Jim) Hobbs, as well as numerous wonderful nieces and nephews from his and Joyce's families.

Dan's family would like to say thanks to Kay Childress Bush, for being a faithful friend & neighbor for many years. A special thank you to his nurses, care-givers and staff at Preston Place Assisted Living Suites and Preston Place Memory Care Facility; you were all so helpful, kind and compassionate and brightened the last few months of his life.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Dan. Per his last wishes, his body was donated to use in life-saving medical procedures and research.