Mr. Earnest L. Fleming Sr.

Earnest Lee Fleming Sr. was born on August 9, 1926 in Lawrence County/ Anniston/ AL to Thomas and Susanna Gerden Fleming. To this union/ three boys were born: Thomas Fleming/ Sr., Earnest Lee Fleming/ Sr. and James Erskine Fleming. Earnest received his formal education within the Anniston/ AL public school system. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 10 and was baptized at the family church/ Friendship Baptist Church/ under, the leadership of Pastor/ Rev. R.J. White. Earnest was familiar with the work field early in life. He started working at Jeff's Barbecue at the young age of 10 years. He shared the story of how you could get a hamburger and a bottle of soda for 5 cents. People would come from allover to get Jeffs Barbecue. He was well known for his ribs. Earnest said that job taught him responsibility and how to do things by watching the older workers. He learned a lot from Jeff. Earnest enlisted in the US Army in 1943 at the age of 16. The Army discharged him when they found out he was under age. A few months after leaving the Army/ Earnest enlisted in the Navy and fought in World War II. He was in the Navy until the end of the World War II in 1946. In 1958/ Earnest joined Second House of Prayer Church under the leadership of Bishop L.K. Johnson. Earnest was the overseer of the Church for over 60 years. He was also a Sunday School Teacher for several years. Earnest loved taking care of the Church the people in the Church. The church is now closed/ but his memory will remain of all he did for the Church. In 19416/ Earnest married Benola Fleming (deceased) after his Navy discharge and a son/ Felix Fleming was born thereafter . In 1963, Earnest married" Nancy L. Fleming. To this union was born one son Earnest Fleming, Jr. In 1972 Earnest married Rose Burton Fleming. She survives. In Milwaukee Earnest went to school to learn the dry cleaning business. He began working at A.O. Smith Foundry - it was heavy work and very hot. At the foundry he worked with his brother/ James, who as already working there as a Presser. Earnest retired from A.O. Smith in December 1990. Earnest loved to travel to see family allover the U.S. He loved sharing stories about the family members and their heritage. He was also an expert advisor of who and when family migrated to different areas around the country. Earnest loved to fish. Ernie, Jr. shared wonderful memories of fishing trips with his father. Earnest took other family members on fishing excursions allover the country. And, everyone knows his expertise of taking pictures and making videos of family. He was truly the "Camera Man" everywhere he went. Earnest leaves to cherish his loving memory, a son, Earnest Fleming, Jr.; former wife, Rose Burton Fleming of Tennessee; and, a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy on May 12, 2013; and, son, Felix on July 9,2017.

Mr. Earnest L. Fleming Sr.

August 9, 1926 - May 30, 2024