Johnny J. Fleming, Sr.

“Integrity, Valor, Steadfastness,, and Toughness in Times of Challenge”

Chief Petty Officer of Command Johnny James Fleming, Sr., was born August 27, 1933, to Ella Frances Haddox Fleming and James R. Fleming in Franklin, TN. His parents; children, Vincent Fleming and Karen Murphy; grandchildren, Jonathan Sanford, LaToya Thompson Nelson, Ciaronjiao White; and great-grandson Jamarcus Esmon, preceded him in death.

Chief Fleming, affectionately known by friends as Johnny graduated from Franklin Training School. After high school, he received a scholarship to the historical Lane College, Jackson, TN, where he played college football.  He later enlisted in the United States Navy, serving our country at home and abroad, and retired after 30 years.

As the CPOC, Chief Fleming, aboard the USS Austin (LPD-4), led his division on many sea tours. Even though he was a stickler for getting the job done and preserving good order and discipline, he said it was still necessary always to be available if needed. He served with pride and honor, making things happen as a leader, developing junior officers, and molding his Sailors. He received numerous medals and honors, including the Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal/1 Star, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment/2 Stars, RVN Campaign Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal (Cuba).

Johnny was a car and gemstone enthusiast. They were his personal expression and liberation encapsulated most aesthetically.

With loving memories to cherish always, he leaves a devoted family: wife, Latrice Fleming; children, Johnny (Denise) Sanford, Machelle (Ralph) Thompson, Frances (Donnell) Esmon, Jeanette Haymer, Angela Shelton, Michael Fleming, Sharon Blakely, Della (William) Harris, Johnny Menifee, Johnny (Ruth E.) Fleming, Jr., and Tariq Fleming; grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.

After his service, he will have another service in Tennessee and then buried at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Ln., Nashville, TN 27221