A pillar of the Enterprise community, Richard Fleming, died Friday at the age of 94.
From 1972-1988, Fleming served the City of Enterprise as a Councilman. He also served as fire and police commissioner.
“Richard was a champion for Enterprise. He was not only a prominent businessman, but he was a family man,” Mayor William E. Cooper said. “He was always so good about helping people in the community. He will be missed by many, but the legacy he leaves behind will remain.”
During World War II, Fleming served as a medic in the Navy. Years later, he would open Fleming Ford Tractor Company on Bellwood Road, serving the Enterprise community for 60 years.
Known affectionately as “the candy man,” Fleming was quick to pass out sweets, especially on Sundays and Wednesdays at First Baptist Church.
“He always, always, always had a bag of candy with him,” Longtime Enterprise Resident Pam McQueen wrote on Facebook, “[He] was surrounded by children of all ages as they eagerly anticipated reaching into that bag and retrieving their piece of candy.”
Fleming was an active member of the Lions Club until his health prevented him from attending functions. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Ruth, in 2016.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Enterprise with Rev. Steve Watson and Dr. Ben Bowden officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church, Children's Ministry, 302 N. Main Street, Enterprise, Alabama 36330.