William Walter "Billy" Fleming

William Walter “Billy” Fleming, 78, of Panama City Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2024. He was born on August 13, 1946, in Cuthbert, Ga. to the late Wellborn Hoyle Fleming and Nora Cate Fleming. Billy was a 1964 graduate of Blakely High School where he was a member of the Blakely Bobcats football team. He attended Auburn University, was a graduate of Alabama Military Academy and commissioned officer in the Alabama National Guard. He was the epitome of the American spirit. His life of leadership in the community and tireless service at the local, state, and national levels exemplify his passion for God, family and country. Billy was the fourth generation publisher of the Early County News which had been in the Fleming family since the late 1870s. His weekly newspaper column, “Mumbles”, was among the well-read favorites of its readers. The Fleming newspaper legacy of over 150 years ended in June, 2021 when he retired to spend time with his family and live near the bay waters of Florida. Throughout Billy’s life, his passion for making Blakely “The Garden Spot of God’s Country” was evident every day in his service, leadership and love for his hometown. Billy held leadership positions as Mayor of the City of Blakely, City Councilman, Early County Commissioner, president of Blakely-Early County Chamber of Commerce, Blakely Lions Club and Blakely Rotary Club. Billy served several terms on the Georgia Press Association Board of Directors and was, subsequently, inducted as Georgia Press Association President. He enjoyed local history, salt-water fishing, hunting, and spending time with his brother, Bob. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church Blakely. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of over 58 years, Judy Brown Fleming; daughter, Heather Fleming (Stephanie); sons, Heath Fleming (Lenora) and Holden Fleming (Amber); seven grandchildren: Allen Bigby-Kinzalow (Jacob), Denise Kinzalow, Brice Brockett, Hayes Brockett, Jacob “Jake” Fleming, Skylar Fleming, and Wells Brockett. He is also survived by one brother, Bob Fleming (Judy). Billy will be greatly missed by “Hoot”, his fur buddy. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Claudette Fleming Price, and his infant twin brother. The celebration of life service will take place on Wednesday, October 2, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Blakely with Rev. Chris Guffey, Senior Pastor, and Dr. Alex Howell officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive visitors between 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. in the church social hall. Interment will be held at Blakely Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Clay Crawford, Jake Fleming, Allen Bigby-Kinazlow, Jim Loyed, Don Phillips, and Rodney White. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Bradley Bridges Sunday School Class members, Cleave Carver, Tony Gilbert, Steve Harris, Ben Houston, Brad Hughes, Allen Loyed, George Loyed, Tom Naramore, Ken Payton, Don Phillips, Tommy Purser, Nick Reed, and Terry Toole. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church Blakely youth ministry. Billy loved the Lord, his family and his community. He will be deeply missed. Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.