Remembering Robert L. “Bobby” Fleming, Jr.

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 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.

He was born on October 24, 1940, at Shellmound Community outside of Greenwood, Miss., 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, he 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, he 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, he 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, he 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, he 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, Fleming 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 his 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.

His 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.

He 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.

He 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.

He 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 his him.

A Celebration of Life was held Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Crawford Street UMC in Vicksburg. Visitation started at 9:30 a.m. in Wesley Hall.