Mr. C.D. Fleming Jr., 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, at the Hermitage on the Eastern Shore where he and his beloved wife of 43 years, Maryellen Street Fleming, made their home for the last five years. Born Jan. 4, 1935, in Salisbury, Md., he was the only child of the late Clarence D. Fleming Sr. and Dorothy Church Fleming. At a young age, Mr. Fleming learned the value of hard work and determination watching his father and uncles grow the family business, the former Fleming Brothers Lumber and Manufacturing Co., which was the largest timber company in Virginia during that time. His mother instilled in him the importance of faith and devotion, and he attended Sign Post United Methodist Church with his parents every Sunday where he remained a member and benefactor throughout his life.
Mr. Fleming, known to many as “Toppy,” was a 1954 graduate of The Taft School, in Watertown, Conn., whose motto, “Not to be served, but to serve,” came to define a life dedicated to public service. Following graduation from Taft, Mr. Fleming earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a master’s degree from William and Mary College. He then began his mission to shape the minds of young people by teaching at various schools throughout his career including the Eastern Shore Community College and on Smith Island. In 1976, Mr. Fleming was elected by voters of District 2 to serve his first term on the Accomack County Board of Supervisors, a post he held for a second term from 1988 until 2003. During his 19-year tenure in local politics, he took part in many projects that continue to benefit the community and its citizens. He was especially proud of the Tangier Island seawall that was erected along the island’s west side and Phase I of the school construction program, both of which have proven to be vital endeavors. In addition to his invaluable contributions as a supervisor, Mr. Fleming served on countless boards, committees, and commissions in various capacities, and was a member of the Atlantic District Ruritan Club, Shriners International, and the Accomack Masonic Lodge No. 243, A.F. & A.M. Mr. Fleming’s efforts to preserve and better Accomack County have always been his priority. Most recently he placed hundreds of acres of land into a trust earmarked for the Forestry Department, yet another symbol of his generosity that will serve to continue his incomparable legacy.
Funeral services were conducted from the graveside at the Union Greenbackville Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, with the Reverend Barbara Parker officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616 Onley, VA 23418 or to Sign Post United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5, Greenbackville, VA 23356.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
