Larry Dean Fleming

Larry Dean Fleming was born on December 16, 1949, in Pioneer, Louisiana, to Wilma Jean and

Leonard Fleming. He spent his early years in Louisiana before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, were

he attended Westside and Madison Elementary Schools, Freemont Middle School, and graduated from

Las Vegas High School. During his high school years, Larry excelled as an athlete, playing football

and running track. He later attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) before making the

honorable decision to serve his country.

In 1971, Larry joined the United States Army, completing a tour in Germany from 1971 to 1973. He

was honorably discharged, marking the end of his military service and the beginning of a diverse and

fulfilling career.

Larry worked in various roles throughout his life, showcasing his adaptability and commitment.

Fueled by a lifelong love for photography, he returned to the Community College of Southern Nevada

to study Television Production. His passion and dedication opened the door to a remarkable

opportunity with ABC News, where he stood behind the camera, capturing history as it unfolded

before his lens. Later, he entered the vibrant casino industry, working as a Blackjack and Baccarat

dealer at renowned establishments such as the Royal Inn Hotel and Casino, MGM Grand Hotel and

Casino, Hilton Hotel and Casino, and Westward Ho. He eventually retired as a Blackjack dealer from

Arizona Charlie’s, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and charm.

Larry’s personal life was rich with love and family. He married Althea Hall, who predeceased him.

Later he was blessed with his first son, Patrick Fleming, who had also preceeded him in death. Larry

was also blessed with his first daughter, Lameisha Pegues.

In 1977, he married Betsy Bailey, and together they welcomed twins, Khaled and Khameel Fleming,

into the world.

He was also blessed with two more daughters, A’Jha Thomas and Artesia Fleming. Later in life, Larry

discovered and bonded with another daughter, Fallon Dennis, through ancestry research completing

his cherished family.

Larry’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior under the

guidance of Pastor Lawrence Haley at Calvary Southern Baptist Church where he was also baptized.

Known affectionately as the "Barbeque King of Las Vegas," Larry had a passion for grilling that was

unmatched. Alongside his bestfriend Loopy Banks, he won 1st place in the Las Vegas City Barbeque

Cookoff. His legendary BBQ sauce, beef ribs, baked beans, and smoked turkeys were beloved by all

who had the pleasure of tasting them. Beyond grilling, Larry enjoyed deep-sea and recreational

fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, and gambling. A true sports enthusiast, he was a devoted fan of

the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Las Vegas Raiders.

Larry’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and joy. On June 6, 2025, he was called home to be

with the Lord, as reflected in 2 Corinthians 5:8: "To be absent from the body is to be present with the

Lord."

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Wilma Jean Varra and Leonard Fleming; his stepfather,

Manuel Varra; and his brothers, Norris Fleming and Bobby Fleming, the latter of whom passed just

one day prior to Larry’s death.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved siblings: Donald Fleming Sr., Debbie “Cookie” Fleming-

Glover (David Greg Glover), and Antonio Varra (Deblon Varra). He is also survived by his cherished

children: his son, Khaled Fleming, and his daughters, Lameisha Pegues (Michael Pegues), Khameel

Fleming, Fallon Dennis, A’Jha Thomas (Bernard Thomas), and Artesia Fleming.

Larry’s legacy lives on through his 16 grandchildren: Patrick Fleming Jr., Amir Warren, Zaire Pegues,

Malcolm Pegues, Azyrah Simpson, Ahzion Smith, Ahzon Smith, Azylah Smith, A’Jha Thomas,

A’Jhanii Thomas, A’Jhalyn Thomas, A’Jhaan Thomas, A’Jhaanis Thomas, A’Jhalah Thomas, Andrea

Bowman and Langston Ford; as well as his great-granddaughter, Avira Warren.

A very special cherished memory is felt by his niece Nicole Cuiffo (Anthony Cuiffo).

He will also be deeply missed by his best friend, Jeanie Banks, and her daughters, Afeni Banks and

Africa Jordan, along with their children—A'Niah Dexter, A'Shari Thomas, Aalik Banks, and Artia

Adams—whom he helped to raise and loved as his own. In addition, a host of nieces, nephews, and

cousins will carry forward his enduring spirit and cherished legacy.