Kyle Eugene Fleenor

Kyle Eugene (Gene) Fleenor, passed away early Wednesday Morning on September 17, 2025, at ECU medical center.

Kyle was born September 26th, 1948, to the late Mary Elizabeth and Charlie Fleenor in the mountains of Abingdon VA with his 6 brothers, and 2 sisters. His parents instilled honesty and hard work in all their children, a lesson they all carried with pride into adulthood. He had a special bond with his siblings, remaining close throughout all the years and miles in between. He was also a man of many names. In Virginia he was known as Gene, in North Carolina Kyle. But no matter what you called him, he would always be the same loving, honest man at the end of the day. His one son, Mark Eugene Fleenor, still lives in family home. There have been 5 generations of Fleenor's to live here.

In his younger years, Kyle always wanted to be a soldier. He was the only sibling to leave the mountains looking for adventure, which he found by joining the Marines in 1969. He served in Vietnam where he contracted malaria twice and was wounded during deployment receiving a purple heart and shrapnel that is still in his body to this day. He was Honorably discharged in 1992, but as we all know, once a Marine, always a marine. After his time in the service, he led a career working for Tands, INC. from 1995 to 2018 before retiring.

He was married to the love of his life, Debbie, for 27 wonderful years. People would often comment on how happy and in love they were together. Even as the years passed, he never lost that spark for adventure, taking Debbie along for the ride. They would frequent the beaches of North and South Carolina. Of course, occasionally making the trip back home to the mountains of Virginia to visit his friends and loved ones with the love of his life in tow.

He and his wife would have the nightly routine of betting 50 cents and playing Wheel of Fortune together. No matter how many times he would lose, they would still play in good faith. Always looking for new ways to spend quality time with his beautiful wife.

Kyle was known for his love of John Wayne, Matt Dillion in Gun Smoke, and the Three Stooges.

He had a special place in his heart for his granddaughter, Sara Nicole Fleenor. They shared a special love. Always taking the opportunity to brag about her to anyone who would listen.

He is proceeded in death by his 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

He leaves behind the love of his life Debbie, his son, Mountain-Man Mark, who he instilled the same loving honest values that were taught to him, brother; Curtis Fleenor, nieces; Andrea, Addison "Little Bit" Quirk, friends; Debbie Miller, Maury Cameron, and of course his special Fur-babies, Buddy and Opie.

Special thanks to his friends and neighbors Debbie Miller and Maury Cameron. Your kindness and compassion were noticed and greatly appreciated during this difficult time.