David William Fleming

It is with profound sadness that we announce that David W. Fleming (75), beloved husband of Elaine (Horkins) Fleming, passed away gracefully after a short battle with sudden illness on January 10, 2025.

David (fondly known as Dave or Papa or…) was born on March 12, 1949, in Ann Arbor, Michigan and raised in Lively, Ontario, Canada by his late parents George and Yvonne Fleming.

Dave was a larger than life man who loved people. He will be sorely missed for his warmth, immense capacity to love, wonderful and irreverent sense of humor, and never-ending generosity. Dave presented a most authentic persona every second of his life. It should have never been in doubt what you were getting when you interacted with him. He has literally left behind an immeasurable number of family and friends all over the world.

“Navy Davey” honorably served his country in the United States Navy (1969 – 1979) as a crewmember and Electronics Technician (SS) aboard the USS Lafayette SSBN-616(B) and as an instructor. After completing 10 years of active service, he continued to proudly serve through his work as a Navy contractor for his favored submarine fleet and P-3C aviation community. Upon his retirement, Navy Davey had devoted over 47 years to our nation’s defense.

David’s legacy is most proudly carried on by surviving members of his family: wife Elaine of Simpsonville, South Carolina and their puppy, Macy.
Siblings: Ron (Kim) Fleming and family of Lively, Ontario, Canada; Cathie (Bill) Sischek and family of London, Ontario, Canada.

Children: stepson Michael (Stephanie) Haines of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Mark (Tammy) Fleming of Metamora, Michigan; Brett (Tracey) Fleming of Pelzer, South Carolina; stepson Jared Thomas of Long Island, New York; stepdaughter Anna (Daniel) Guido of Long Island, New York ; David (Danielle) Fleming of Long Island, New York ; and twelve wonderful Grand”units”. “Dat Dat”

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Papa.

Please note that a public celebration of life will take place for Dave in the spring. The family will share more details as they finalize arrangements. Please come with stories and memories of Dave to share with everyone.

The family also wishes to recognize the tireless care provided by the medical and comfort teams at St. Francis (Downtown and Eastside) Hospital System in Greenville, SC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the following organizations would very much be appreciated:

Trees Upstate to support restoration of damage caused by Hurricane Helene in the Upstate of South Carolina and/or Tunnels for Towers to support fallen first-responder families in their time of need and to combat veteran homelessness.