WILLIAM RICE FLEMMING

FLEMMING, WILLIAM RICE,SR. age 88, of Timber Pines-Terrace View Village, Spring Hill, FL passed away on August 12, 2013, under the care of HPH Hospice Care Center of Brooksville, FL. He was born on July 16, 1925, in Coronaca, SC, to Alice Rice Flemming and Thomas Willard Flemming. When Bill turned 7 he moved to Epworth Orphanage because his father became ill and his mother was unable to afford to raise Bill and his 2 sisters. They felt a boy could take care of himself better. He remained at Epworth until he enlisted in the US Marine Corps (younger than normal) to serve in WWII. While in the Marine Corps, Bill met his “Life Saving Angel” Mary Lacovaro. After dating for 5 weeks, they were married on April 11, 1943. Mary was always ‘the love of Bill’s life’! When Bill got out of the service they lived in Alexandria, VA, and Hyattsville, MD, where they raised their 3 children. Bill was employed as a US Postal Carrier in Washington, DC, where he delivered mail to the White House, including Pres. Nixon and Pres. Kennedy. He retired in 1964 after 20+ yrs of service. They also lived in Crofton, MD, prior to moving to Florida in 1975. In Florida they lived at Pinellas Park, Pasco Co. for 10 yrs., and then moved to Timber Pines, Hernando Co. for the next 18 yrs. Bill was also a life member of the Elks and the D.A.V. Bill was preceded in death by both his parents; son Tommy Flemming (May 7, 2008); and his loving wife Mary J. Flemming (November 17, 2012), just short of an amazing 70 years of marriage! Bill is survived by his son Bill Jr. (Linda), daughter Diana (Garry) Cooke, 3 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 6 great-step grandchildren and 1 great-great- step grandchild. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Watson and Jeannette Fink. The love that Bill had for his wife was so tender and touching. He cared for her in her failing months, seldom leaving her side. The dedication was unbelievable. Truly their undeniable love for each other was deep and real! Neither Bill nor Mary ever complained about their circumstances….they always had a joke and a positive attitude. They will be remembered by this wonderful trait and the love and devotion they had for each other and will be an inspiration to all. Bill lived his last months at HP Hospice, in Brooksville, FL where he was described as “Their Social Butterfly”! They couldn’t say enough “good” about him…nor could he say enough “good” about them. The Resident Care Wing of Hospice provided his last months to be full of love and special care. Not only because of these amazing people at Hospice, and the incredible care he received; but also from his family and friends. He considered himself very ‘Blessed and Honored’ to be given such incredible last months. Words can't begin to thank all the staff at Hospice for their incredible love and care! The family will receive guests at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 3369 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL on Thursday from 6-8PM. A Mass and Christian Burial will be held at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill on Friday at 9:30AM. The couple will be buried together at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. at a later date. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to HPH Hospice Care Center, 12260 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613; or Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205