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Wendell Fleming Obituary
Portsmouth - Wendell R. Fleming Sr. was born June 9, 1924, in New York City to Theodore and Eloise Fleming. Mr. & Mrs. Fleming were from Charleston and Sumter, S.C. respectively. They were the parents of seven other children: Myrtle, Raymond, Theodore Jr., Jesse, Harriet, Eleanor, and Louis.
Wendell was reared in Sumter by his mother Eloise and grandmother Amanda Hale. He left Sumter after attending Lincoln High School and completing the NYA (National Youth Administration) course at South Carolina State in Orangeburg, S.C. He worked in the Norfolk Navy Yard prior to entering the U.S. Army in November 1943.Wendell was in the 555th Parachute Infantry Company during World War II.The 555th (Triple Nickel) was the first black airborne unit in the world. He returned to Portsmouth after the war and resumed employment in the Navy Yard and began service in the Naval Reserve.
He was united in holy matrimony to Pauline Cook Barnes on May 17, 1946. They had four children: Amanda, Paul, Robert, and Raymond. Wendell re-enlisted in the Army in 1950. He was subsequently stationed in Ft. Jackson, S.C., Misawa Air Force Base, Japan, Ft. Sill, OK, Stuttgart, Germany, Ft. Sam, Houston, TX, Vietnam, and finally Augsburg, Germany before retiring in 1968.
He was a soldier's soldier and received the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Air Metal, and the National Defense Service Medal among others. Following his retirement he returned to Portsmouth, bought a home in Calvalier Manor, and worked at the General Electric factory for several years.
Wendell R. Fleming passed from this life on September 9, 2013. He was predeceased by his wife Pauline on March 28, 2009 and youngest son Raymond on October 21, 1998. His remaining children Amanda, Paul, and Robert, sister Harriet Drake, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren survive him.
Funeral Saturday 12 noon Fisher Funeral Home, 1520 Effingham Street, Portsmouth, VA. Viewing will begin Friday from 11a.m.-7p.m. The family will be at the residence to receive friends on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.
Goodbye Wendell and may God bless you. May you rest forever in eternal peace.
wwwfisherfuneral.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Fleming
2 Entries
David Overheim
September 14, 2013
The sarge was also a man's man- he lived his life with such quiet dignity and strength. He saw and was involved in so many things, gave so much to his country and provided the nation with a wonderful family that has also added much to our country, he was truly a national treasure. He earned his peace. He will be missed.
Jeffrey Elam
September 13, 2013
I learned a lot from knowing you, but most of all I will remember the way in which you carried yourself like a true gentleman, that commanded the highest level of respect at all times... RIP Mr. Fleming every time I smell a cigar I'll be reminded of you!
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