Leon Gray Fleming

Leon Gray Fleming, age 78, of Seymour, Tennessee; formerly of Mount Airy, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. A man of deep faith, Leon was a devoted member of Blessed Hope Baptist Church, where he worshipped and served faithfully. His life was marked by unwavering love for God, family, and country.

Leon proudly served his nation as a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam War, where he exemplified honor, courage, and commitment. After his service, he continued to lead a life rooted in integrity, compassion, and strength.

A passionate Pittsburgh Pirates fan and lifelong NASCAR enthusiast, Leon found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—watching a race, cheering for his team, and spending time with loved ones.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Julia Miller Fleming; children, Lee (Misti) Fleming, Sherry (Iseral) Fleming Alvarez, Cynthia (Brandon) Fleming Culler; grandchildren, Liam Fleming, Avalee Fleming, Iseral Alvarez II, Isabella Alvarez, Mark Wright, Bennett Culler, Emerson Culler; great-grandchild, Josephine “Little Josie” Alvarez; sisters-in-law, Linda Fleming, Wilma Fleming; several beloved nieces and nephews; special friends, Wayne and Debbie Metcalf, Robby Metcalf, John Norberg and Roger Abraham.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, James Marvin Fleming and Ida Bell Myers Fleming; his sister, Alma Lois Fleming, seven brothers; Marvin Frazier, Dewey Frazier, Elroy Fleming, Grover Fleming, Burl Fleming, Harless Fleming and Stanley Fleming.

The family will receive friends Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM with a funeral service to immediately follow at 12:00 PM in the Magnolia Chapel at Berry Highland South Funeral Home, 9010 Simpson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37920. Graveside Service with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 PM at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery 2200 E. Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920. Services will be officiated by Pastor Norman Smelcer and Pastor Glenn Metts.