Funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Union Missionary Baptist Church.  Burial will be 2:00 P.M. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Coastal Carolina Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, NC.  Visitation will be 3:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.

Willie J. Fleming, affectionately known to many as J or Mr. J, transitioned to his heavenly home on May 26, 2025. A proud veteran, passionate recovery advocate, devoted family man, and beloved community leader.  Willie leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and unwavering love.  Willie was born on February 14, 1950, in Winterville NC. He was the 4th child of Doris and McRoy Fleming. Willie was a rambunctious child who grew up though the Civil Rights movement and attended school in the Pitt County School System. As a teenager, Willie ventured off to live with his sister in New York after which he made the courageous decision to selflessly and voluntarily enlist in the United States Army during the Vietnam War—an act of self-sacrifice intended to shield his brothers from the potential burden of being drafted. His choice spoke volumes about his character, revealing a heart guided by loyalty, bravery, and deep familial devotion. With a profound sense of duty and love for his family, Willie completed two tours in Vietnam from February 26, 1968, to May 3, 1971. He was awarded numerous commendations for his service, including the Vietnam Service Medal, two Overseas Bars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbon. He was honorably discharged and remained a lifelong advocate for fellow veterans, serving as a proud lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (V VA), Chapter 885 in Wilmington. On December 17, 1995, in Laurinburg, NC, Willie married the love of his life, Roslyn. More than husband and wife, they were best friends and true partners. Together they went on many adventures and built a beautiful life for themselves and their children in Wilmington, NC. Their bond was one of laughter, faith, and unconditional support. After his military service, Willie continued to dedicate his life to helping others. He retired from Wilmington Treatment Center after several years of service but remained an active force in the recovery community, regularly volunteering to give lectures that inspired countless individuals on their path of recovery. He was the Co-Owner, Co-Founder, and CEO of Fleming Recovery for Women, Inc. in Wilmington, NC, where he shared his experience, strength, and hope with an immeasurable number of men and women in recovery. A devoted man of faith, Willie was a member of Kingdom Impact Ministries in Burgaw, NC, where he served as a bodyguard to the pastor. He was also a long-standing member of Union Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon and usher for many years. In the 1970s, Willie was a member of the Black Panther Party, standing firmly for justice and equity in his community. He was also an avid fisherman, always happiest with a rod in his hand and the peace of the water surrounding him.  Since August 21, 1996, J walked the path of recovery with strength and grace. He has now earned his infinity medallion, signifying a lifetime of healing that continues into eternity…..a timeless reminder that his recovery lives on forever. Willie served as a mentor and sponsor to many and was a member of the first Freedom By The Sea planning committee, where he contributed his heart and vision to the planning committee for over 15 years. Willie wore many hats husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, godfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and loyal friend. Above all else, Willie was a family man. Fishing was his favorite past time--his peaceful escape--and he was always eager to share a story or laugh with anyone nearby. Willie was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mack and Doris Fleming, his mother-in-law Maggie Howard, his sisters Rosa Daise and Velma Harper, his brother McRoy Fleming, his brother-in-law Andre Howard, his daughter Sakinah Cooke, and his son Reginald Barrett, goddaughter Monica Clarkson. To carry on his legacy is his devoted wife of 29 years, Roslyn Fleming, of the home; his children: Jessica Glaspie (Emmett) of the home, Roxann Dumas (Curtis) of Burgaw, NC, Andrea Brewington (Kenny) of Wilmington, NC, and Otis Barrett (Avery) of Greenville, NC; and daughter-in-law Rose Brown of Greenville, NC, brother James Fleming (Deborah) of Winterville, NC, sister Ella Murray (Mark) of Winterville, NC. His legacy will also be carried on by his 26 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, godson Trevor Kennett and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. Willie J. Fleming was a man of integrity, service, and compassion. His impact will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.