Robert Carl Fleming

Robert Carl Fleming, Jr. died at his home Wednesday, August 14, 2013. He was 78 years old. He was born in Burke County, March 24, 1935, to the late Robert Carl Fleming and Mary Battle Fleming. Carl was a proud graduate of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. While at the Citadel, he was the first cadet to earn a private pilot’s license in South Carolina. Also, while a cadet, (and against school rules) he married the late Frances Paschall on January 1, 1954. Upon graduation, Carl was commissioned into the United States Air Force.When he completed his military service, Carl joined Western Electric as an electrical engineer. He retired from the company as a Department Chief. While successful in his career, his heart was always at home with his family, and in the mountains. He made his living in a coat and tie, but he changed to blue jeans every day as soon as he got home. Carl spent hours exploring Linville Gorge, playing the piano, researching genealogy, building model airplanes and tinkering. Also in retirement, Carl worked as a surveyor (only as an excuse to be outside and wield a machete), and opened a picture framing business.In addition to his parents and wife, Carl was preceded in death by a daughter, Robbin Elizabeth Fleming. He is survived by daughters Susan Fleming Keaton and husband Glen, and Ann Fleming Krohn and husband Tom, sons Robert C. Fleming, III and wife Robin, and Jeffery A. Fleming. Eleven grandchildren enjoyed the love and antics of their PawPaw: Taylor Keaton, Drew Keaton, Bobby Fleming and wife Alicia, Caitlin Fleming Wahle and husband Steve, McKendry Fleming, Caroline Fleming, Morgan Fleming, Laura Fleming Shelton and her husband Jeremy, Ryan Fleming. Nicholas Krohn, and Nathan Krohn; and two great granddaughters, Elena Wahle and Avery Shelton. A brother, Dr. Larry M. Fleming, and his wife Babette, also survive, along with step-siblings Richard Harbison and Sara Harbison Kelly.As Carl desired, there will be no formal funeral service. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of his life at his home on Saturday, August 24 from 2:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon.Memorial contributions may be made to the Robbin Fleming Fund for Children at Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 2239 NC 181 Morganton, NC 28655.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.