Douglas Ray Fleming's Obituary
Douglas Ray Fleming, 83, of Alachua, Florida, joined his Eternal Father on Thursday, April 30, 2026. His body will be laid to rest, with full military honors, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
Born to Ralph and Carol Fleming, of Anna and Sidney, Ohio, he was the oldest of seven children. Doug enlisted in the US Navy in 1964 and served with honor and pride for 24+ years. Highly decorated, he completed nine tours of Vietnam from 1964 through 1975, a tour in Korea in 1968 during the Pueblo incident, combat deployments to Libya in 1982 and 1984, and deployment to the Persian Gulf during the “Tanker War” (pre 1st Gulf War) in 1987. Doug finally retired in 1988 as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Command. While in the Navy, Doug earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University.
After retiring from the US Navy, Doug served as a counselor for drug, alcohol, and PTSD patients in Knoxville, Tennessee. After relocating to Florida in 2004, he jumped right back into counseling at the local VA transitional housing facility, Bailey Village. Doug and his wife, Patricia, were very active in their church, First United Methodist Church of High Springs. He was a deacon, pastoral visitor, and active member of the choir. Doug then gladly served as the head pastor at Ellzey United Methodist Church. Serving others, in a variety of roles, clearly gave him great joy.
Doug is survived by his son, John Fleming (Bridget) of Newberry, Florida, his two stepchildren (whom he called his daughter and son), Kerrick “Kerri” King of Lafayette Indiana, and Justin White (Charlotte) of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and ten grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Fleming of Alachua, Florida, and his daughter, Yvonne Marie Fleming of Gainesville, Florida, who has waited patiently for her father’s arrival in Heaven since October 24, 2023.
Doug, Master Chief, “Papa/Pops” was a man of honor, loyalty, servitude, and love of family. He served his country, his community, veterans, and all those who were in need. He believed everyone deserved a chance, loved football and old westerns, and his favorite word (repeated by his grandchildren) was indubitably. He will be missed beyond measure. In place of flowers, please consider donating to Haven Hospice of Gainesville, FL, which served Doug and his family in his final days. https://www.havenhospice.com/donate
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