by Al Fleming Obituary, Death – It has come to my attention with much regret that my dear friend Al Fleming has passed away. There is no end to either the times or the stories. We both had a deep appreciation for and extensive knowledge of music in general, especially that of the Beatles. When we got together, we would put on our best Liverpool accents and sing songs, which would be followed by peals of laughter. “Hey, Al, how are you doing?” Sincere condolences to Beth and his family on their recent loss. Al was well-liked, and his presence will be much missed by many. We’ll catch up with you later, Al. I’ll take care of the high harmony while you take care of the melody.
Alan Knight “Al” Fleming, a well-known figure in the Columbus community, passed away on March 13, 2022 at the age of 91 at the Columbus Hospice House. The Reverend Daryl Brown and Mr. Johnny Updike will preside over the Celebration of Life service that will be place on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at three o’clock in the afternoon in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory located at 3874 Gentian Blvd. in Columbus, Georgia 31907. The eulogy will be delivered by Mr. Dave Nahley and Mr. Phil Scroggins respectively. Following the conclusion of the funeral ceremonies, the family will have a reception for friends at the funeral home.
Al was born on March 23, 1930 in Montclaire, New Jersey to his late parents, Roy Walter Fleming and Evelyn Dorothy Knight Fleming. He spent the majority of his childhood years in Montclaire. In 1951, Al enlisted in the Air Force, and three years later, in 1955, he received an honorable discharge. In the year 1960, Al began his career as a newscaster for a network in Fargo, South Dakota. Because of his work, he found himself in Columbus, Georgia, in 1966. Before taking his retirement in 2015, he worked for a number of local networks, including WDAK, WTVM, WRBL, and WLTZ. Many people remember Al for his commentary, which earned him a number of Emmy Awards throughout the course of his career.
Throughout his career, he also earned a number of additional prizes in the field of newscasting. In addition to that, Al owned a business in the community. Between the years 1968 and the early 1970s, he ran the ice cream shoppe known as Dipper Dans. In 1973, he opened The Bronze Boot, and in 1975, he opened Al Who’s Place, both of which are well-known establishments located on Buena Vista Road. In 1988, he opened Fleming’s Prime Time Restaurant and transferred the business to a new location on Sidney Simons Boulevard. In later years, he parted ways with the restaurant and sold it to his step-son Neil Turner, who rebranded it as Scooters. Before selling it in 2003, Al was the proprietor of Al Whos.
In addition to his biological parents, he was predeceased by his brother Roy Fleming, his wife Gloria Fleming, and his step-sons Neil Turner and Freddie Updike. His grandparents also predeceased him. Al is survived by his wife, Patricia Fleming, his children and step-children, Kathy Turner of Columbus, Georgia, Betty Starnes of Portage, Michigan, Sharon Mapes of Columbus, Georgia, Vicki Hardage of Columbus, Georgia, Missy (Donnie) Lemons of Birmingham, Alabama, Johnny (Stephanie) Updike of Americus, Georgia, Jenny (Shane) James of Columbus, Georgia, and his grandchildren, Chase Hardage, Haley Hardage, Caden Lemon Additionally, he is survived by his dear pals Dave Nahley and Bob Nahley, who were more like sons to Al, as well as his fur babies Bitsey and Morgan. Many thanks to the nurses who work at the Columbus Hospice for their compassionate care. Al, you will be remembered fondly by all of those who knew and loved you.
