Dillard Neil Fleming

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Rhonda Suggs Fleming; one son, Stephen Neil Fleming and his wife, Lisa of Wayland, MA; one daughter, Katherine Fleming Bordlemay and her husband, Brett Bordlemay of NYC; five grandchildren, Noah Fletcher Fleming (13), Avery Stephen Fleming (10), Annabella Maria Fleming (8), Gavin George Bordlemay (5) and Brooks Neil Bordlemay (2).

Neil was predeceased by his father, Fletcher Dillard Fleming; mother, Delores Young Fleming and brother Stephen Craig Fleming of Burlington, NC.

Neil was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, humor and love of God and Country. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends. We ask that you not remember him for the disease that took his life but for the way he lived his 70 wonderful years on this earth.

Neil was born and grew up in Burlington, NC. He attended Williams High School where he enjoyed being part of a choir and playing basketball. He continued his education at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC where he studied Textile Chemistry and was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. One of his fondest memories of his time at NCSU was winning a lottery ticket to the final four NCAA Basketball tournament where NCSU won the 1974 national championship. He could replay every second of the game and he did to anyone who would listen! Neil later received a MBA from Furman University.

His career was both successful and inspiring, marked by influential leadership and management roles in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Neil later retired as the Owner and President of Jan-Pro Commercial Cleaning of Philadelphia.

Neil and Rhonda created homes for their family in Mauldin, SC, Jamestown, NC and Lansdale, PA before retiring to Naples, Florida.

Neil had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He often spent hours researching topics of interest such as history, sports, and cars. Neil was very bright and often joked that his mind was full of useless trivia. He could give play by play details of games he had watched from years ago. He remembered every stroke in a round of golf from the 1980s when he picked up the game. Neil could quote every line from movies like Animal House!

Neil will also be remembered for his sense of humor. Even as he was suffering in the end, his sense of humor came through. His family, friends, doctors and nurses loved that about him.

Neil had many passions - college sports, sports cars, golf and good conversation. He was devoted to his NC State Wolfpack and was equally enthusiastic about everything with four wheels and power. Some of his happiest moments were spent behind the wheel of his red cars, all of which he affectionately called "RED."

Neil also loved the game of golf, enjoyed staying active, and cherished good conversation. He could talk for hours about cars, history, politics, and so much more. His friends treasured those talks and the joy he brought every discussion.

Above all else, Neil deeply loved his family. He cherished Rhonda, his children, and his grandchildren, and was endlessly proud of each of them. Family meant everything to him, and in the end, it remains his greatest legacy. PaPa will be dearly missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service for Dillard Neil Fleming at Hodges Funeral Home, 525 111th Avenue N, Naples, Florida Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Visitation is from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Memorial service is at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, the Fleming Family request donations to Moffitt Cancer Center-Lymphoma Research, Tampa, Florida in honor of Dillard Neil Fleming. Click on https://fundraise.moffitt.org/fundraiser/6831792