Robert L. “Bobby” Fleming, Jr., passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, leadership, and

devotion to family. Throughout his life, he was known as a Marine, an engineer, a mentor, a

churchman, and a loyal friend whose influence was felt by all who knew him.

Bobby was born on October 24, 1940, at Shellmound Community outside of Greenwood, Mississippi,

where his family owned and operated a general store. His family were founding members of St. John

United Methodist Church in Greenwood, and the values of faith and community established there

remained central throughout his life. An Eagle Scout as a young man, Bobby demonstrated early the

character, discipline, and leadership that would define his future.

He attended Mississippi State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

While at Mississippi State, he played football for the Bulldogs for four years and was a member of

Kappa Sigma fraternity. His lifelong loyalty to Mississippi State athletics began during those years,

and friends often affectionately called him “68,” a tribute to the jersey number he wore at MSU.

Following graduation, Bobby was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine

Corps, serving from 1962 to 1965 while stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. He remained proud

of his Marine Corps service throughout his life and considered himself a Marine to the very end.

On January 31, 1962, Bobby married the love of his life, Laura Poyner Sorrels. Their marriage was

marked by unwavering devotion, partnership, and faith. In 1968 they moved to Vicksburg, where they

became lifelong members of Crawford Street United Methodist Church and faithfully served both their

congregation and the broader community for decades.

That same year, Bobby began a distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

Vicksburg District. During his 35 years of service, he held numerous leadership positions, including

Chief of the Foundations and Materials Branch and later Chief of Engineering and Construction. His

professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence earned him lasting respect throughout the

organization and a place in the Vicksburg District Gallery of Distinguished Employees.

In addition to his civilian career, Bobby served with the U.S. Army Reserve 412th Engineering

Command in Vicksburg, ultimately retiring with the rank of Colonel. Whether in the Corps of

Engineers, the Army Reserve, church activities, or community service, Bobby was widely respected

as a mentor who dedicated himself to developing others and helping them grow into leaders

themselves. Service to others was one of Bobby's defining characteristics. He coached numerous Little League

football and baseball teams, led mission trips throughout Central and South America, and was one of

the founders of Habitat for Humanity in Vicksburg. He believed deeply in giving back and

demonstrated that belief through decades of hands-on service to his church, his community, and

people in need.

Bobby's greatest joys were his family and his many interests outside of work. A passionate supporter

of Mississippi State athletics, he and Laura spent countless weekends in Starkville and traveled the

country with family to cheer on the Bulldogs, attending games in Miami, Tampa, El Paso,

Jacksonville, Charlotte, Boston, Memphis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Houston, and College Station. He

was especially proud to attend the 2013 College World Series.

Bobby was also an accomplished woodworker and devoted family historian. His craftsmanship could

be seen throughout the lives of those he loved. He personally built the family home in 1975,

constructed a deluxe treehouse for his grandchildren, and even roofed his daughter's home. His

hobbies reflected the same generosity and determination that characterized every aspect of his life.

He was also a longtime member of the Vicksburg Lions Club.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Fleming, Sr. and Sarah Alice Fleming of

Greenwood, Mississippi; his brother, Henry Fleming; and his sister, Betsy Sayre. He is survived by his

beloved wife, Laura; his brother, David Fleming (Pat) of Madison, Wisconsin; his son, Robert L. "Trey"

Fleming III (Beth) of Vicksburg; his daughters, Allison Hubbard (Bob) of Vicksburg and Laura Beth

Hendricks (Mark) of Brentwood, Tennessee; and his cherished grandchildren, Reagan Fleming,

Robert Fleming, Ellis Hendricks, and Elise Hendricks.

The family is grateful for the care, compassion, and friendship shown by Dr. Sam Pierce and Morgan

Caulfield. Memorials may be made to Crawford Street United Methodist Church.

Bobby will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his devotion to family, his service to his country and

community, and the lives he shaped through his leadership and example. His legacy lives on in the

family he loved, the organizations he served, and the many people fortunate enough to have known

him.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 11am at Crawford Street UMC in Vicksburg. Visitation starts at 9:30am in Wesley Hall.