Dr. William “Bill” Fleming
Dr. William “Bill” Fleming passed away suddenly April 16, 2019. Bill was born September 22, 1929 in Caro to the late Pearl and Mildred (Brown) Fleming. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn (Hagerty), whom he married December 29, 1951.
Bill was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Mackenzie High School, Detroit, in 1947. Later, he served actively in the U.S. Army from August 1951 through May 1953, serving in the Korean War and attaining the rank of corporal.
Bill held a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and master’s and doctoral degrees from University of Michigan. A dedicated educator, Bill taught middle school, coached, and was a high school principal with Redford Union Schools. Bill retired as assistant superintendent from the Waterford School District in 1986. Shortly after, Bill and Marilyn followed their dream to Tucson, Arizona. Not fully “settled down” he began working in the Amphitheater School District, becoming an elementary school principal for three years. In 2
Bill enjoyed summers on Black Lake (northern Michigan) from age 11 to last summer, enjoying family time, fishing, or sitting and watching the sunset. He was also an avid golfer.
Bill is survived by a daughter, Janice Stiles (Kris); sons, William Fleming (Deborah), Robert Fleming (Kim) and John Fleming (Amy); a daughter, Laurel Hostler (Francis); 16 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Richard Fleming (Barbara).
A Celebration of Life was held April 24 at Freedom Plaza 13373 N. Plaza Del Rio Blvd. Peoria, AZ. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to the American Diabetes Association, the Plaza Del Rio Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.