John Keith Fleming

John Keith Fleming

December 30, 1967 - July 15, 2023

John Keith Fleming of Round Rock, Texas, passed away on July 15, 2023, at the age of 55. John leaves an indelible impression on those who called him son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, sojourner, teacher, mentor, and chaplain. John's brilliant spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart captivated everyone who had the chance to know him.

John was born on December 30, 1967, to John and Rosia Miller Fleming in Marshall, Missouri. John's family moved to Austin, Texas, where he attended Andrews and Blanton Elementary Schools. John's elementary music teacher, Ms. Mollie Tower, discovered his musical talent and suggested John play the flute. By 5th grade, he was selected to participate in Austin ISD's pilot Gifted & Talented Music class.

John attended Pearce Junior High and later John H. Reagan High School. While at Reagan, John continued growing his love of music as a member of the Reagan Raider High School Band under director James E. Williamson. He flourished as a flutist (flute and piccolo), was a section leader, played in the marching, jazz, and symphonic bands, and was Drum Major before graduating in 1986. John attended the University of Texas, where he joined the Longhorn Band under director Glenn A. Richter. In 1990 John became the first African American Drum Major for the Longhorn Band, serving in that position through 1992. He was a dedicated member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national band service fraternity. Dancing was one of John's favorite pastimes. During college, a friend convinced John and a few friends to form a dance group they named Prototype, which led to multiple performances across Texas.

Upon leaving UT, John continued to share his love of music as a flute instructor at Pflugerville ISD, a private flute/piccolo teacher, and co-owner of Fleming & Fong, which performed at weddings and special events.

John worked professionally at The University of Texas at Austin in multiple departments, including the Department of African and African Diaspora Studies, the College of Natural Sciences, and as an independent contractor. In his most recent role, he spent more than six years as a senior administrator with the Texas Department of State Health Services.

John's love for Texas Longhorn Band was constant throughout the years, as he actively served as Past President and former Board of Trustee for the Longhorn Alumni Band. He was equally committed to giving back to the Austin area and was a graduate of Leadership Austin Class 33 (2012). He also served as a Board Member of Reading is FUNdamental, President of the KLRU Community Advisory Board, and since 2016, served as Advocacy and Partnership Relations Director for the Survive2Thrive Foundation.

At the center of John's life was a deep faith, one that he not only espoused through perfectly timed words of encouragement or scripture. John also lived his faith as a servant leader. His faith was solidified in his youth while attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He later rededicated his life to Christ when he joined Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, where he enjoyed bible study and singing in the choir. In 2010, John joined Unity Church of the Hills and served in numerous leadership capacities, including Prayer Chaplain, member of the Celebration music team, co-founder of Conscious Conversations, and a member of multiple committees.

John was preceded in death by his father, John A. Fleming, Jr., sisters Rhonda Fleming and Brenda Carruthers, and brother, Brian O. Miller. Survivors include his mother, Rosia Fleming of Round Rock, Texas, brother Alfred (Carla) Fleming of Altus, Oklahoma, and sister Vanessa (Richard) Sapp of Round Rock, Texas, nieces, nephews, and many family and friends.

John's passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of those who love him, but his legacy of love, service, and faith will carry on in the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in John's name to the Longhorn Band Legacy Fund, Leadership Austin, Unity Church of the Hills, or any organizations for which John volunteered.

A memorial gathering honoring and celebrating John's life will be held at Unity Church of the Hills in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, July 29, at 10:00 a.m. The family will hold a private interment at a later date.