William Harrison (Bill) Fleming, age 85, died December 30, 2021 in Lynchburg, VA.
Son of the late Lillian Moore Bloomer Fleming and Robert Maynard Fleming, he was born at his family's historical ancestral home place, Sycamore Alley (1762) in Halifax County of NC, in the Glenview community near Enfield NC.
Bill graduated from Enfield Graded School where he and his twin brother, Robert Bloomer Fleming, played basketball. He received his college degrees from Louisburg Junior College in Louisburg, NC and Atlantic Christian College, now Barton College, in Wilson, NC. He taught history, chemistry, biology and health at Garland High School in Sampson County, NC, and at Youngsville High School in Franklin County, NC, where he also coached boys' basketball.
Later he enjoyed a business career with Joyner Wholesale Building Supply Company in Louisburg, NC, and Moore's Stores in Roanoke, VA. He enjoyed his early retirement years managing his cattle and timber farms at Sycamore Alley. Bill was the seventh generation of his family to live at the home place, originally settled in 1762 by James Moore. Sycamore Alley was the birthplace of The Honorable Bartholomew Figures Moore, a noted lawyer, statesman, and Attorney General of NC (1848-1851). Moore compiled The Revised Code of N.C. in 1854, and was noted for his strong opposition to secession from the Union. An historical marker recognizing B. F. Moore is located at the corner of NC 4/48 and NC 481 at Glenview, west of Enfield, a short distance from Sycamore Alley. In addition to managing the homeplace farms, Bill taught at Enfield Academy where he also coached boys' junior varsity basketball teams.
Bill served as a member of Wake Forest University Poteat Scholarship Committee for the NC 2nd Congressional District. He was a member of the NC Cattlemen's Association; a board member of Halifax County Cattlemen's Association; a board member of the NC Forage Council; and a board member of Prime Watch, a division of Halifax Electric Membership Cooperation. While living in Roanoke VA, Bill was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon, elder, and chairman of the finance and nominating committees. He faithfully volunteered to coach young men in basketball at the Baptist Neighborhood House.
Bill was fair-minded, a keen and positive thinker, and one who saw the best in others. He was a student of history and spent time researching and compiling his family's genealogy. His wit, intellect, and sense of fun made every day an adventure. He lived an example of giving selflessly and loving others, always with humor, compassion, and humility.
In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his sister, Lillian Moore Fleming White, and his twin brother Robert Bloomer Fleming.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Janice Joyner Fleming; daughters Lynn Fleming Will and husband Dr. Michael D. Will, and Angela Moore Fleming, all of Lynchburg VA; granddaughters Kelly Will Knight and husband Martin Rider Knight of Lynchburg VA, and Sarah Will Parrish and husband Robert Alexander Wilson Parrish of McLean, VA; great grandchildren William Harrison Knight, Margaret Louise Knight, and Caroline Elizabeth Parrish.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on January 12 at Oakwood Cemetery in Louisburg, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to those in need, particularly to the Salvation Army.
Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.
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