Robert Horace Fleming

Robert Horace Fleming, 96, of Morganton made his journey to his heavenly home Wednesday, May 31, 2023 after several months of declining health.

He was born September 18, 1926, the first of four sons of the late Horace Frank Fleming and Margaret Arney Fleming.

Robert began his education at Glen Alpine Elementary School. After finishing eleventh grade he joined the US Army. When he returned from WWII he completed his high school education at Morganton High School. Robert went on to Western Carolina College, now WCU, to receive a degree in chemistry.

His working career began at a young age, helping on the farm and several jobs around town. Robert working for Corning in Raleigh in the lab before starting employment at SGL Great Lakes Chemical Lab in Morganton. Robert and his family moved to Elizabethton, TN to work in the research center, for SGL. His knowledge and leadership skills made him the “go-to person” for solving problems for his employer and family. Before Robert retired, he was asked to assist in setting up a chemical lab in Argentina. Along with his wife, he made the trip and mixed business with pleasure.

Following his retirement and still wanting to remain active, Robert used his expertise while working for Morganton Dye and Finishing.

Camping and fishing were things that Robert and Irene thoroughly enjoyed doing together. They enjoyed vacationing Texas in the winter and taking trips to the Outer Banks.

Robert was a master gardener and prided himself on his huge vegetable garden every summer. There was always a bumper crop that was shared with family, friends, and anyone who came by.

He was a caring, giving, and nurturing person. No matter how he felt, he always said “I’ll be okay.”

Robert was a member of Asheville Street Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school for many years. He spent many hours during the week doing research to prepare the lesson. He was also the leader in the Brotherhood.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Irene Conley Fleming; daughter, Rhonda Carolyn Fleming; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Betty Fleming; brother, Forrest A. Fleming; and niece, Beverly Fleming Roland.

Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, Benjamin P. Fleming and wife, Margaret; sister-in-law, Nancy M. Fleming; nephew, Douglas K. Fleming and fiancée, Kat Hefner, and her daughter, Emily; niece, Sonya Fleming; great-nephews, Josh Fleming and wife, Lisa, and their children, Caroline and Levi, Jacob Fleming and fiancée, Jessica Edwards, and Greg Tuttle and wife, Trish.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Douglas Goforth officiating. Burial will follow in Bridge42 Cemetery (formerly Calvin Heights Baptist Church).

Memorial contributions may be made to Asheville Street Baptist Church or to Gideons International.

The Fleming family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Autumn Care of Drexel for the loving, excellent care of Robert this past year. They would also like to thank the staff of UNC Healthcare – Blue Ridge for the compassionate care shown to Robert during his final hours.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.