Robert Andrew Fleming, Jr., M.D.

Published 2:53 pm Friday, October 20, 2023

Robert Andrew Fleming, Jr., M.D. entered into eternal rest on October 18, 2023, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was predeceased in death by his son, Robert Andrew Fleming, III, and his parents, Robert Andrew Fleming, Sr. and Nettie Gertrude Baugher Fleming. Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maida Kathryn “Kitty” Fleming, his daughter Kathryn, his daughter Karen (Paige), and his son William (Laura). Robert is also survived by his grandchildren Carson, Spencer, Macon, and Sullivan. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Thomas Alexander Fleming (Hazel), and nephew Nathan (Yolanda) along with nieces Esther and Heather. Robert is survived by his brother-in-law William Waddell, Jr. (Joann) and his nephew William Waddell III (Ramona) and niece Carol along with his nephew’s children Heather, Hannah, and Halle.  Furthermore, he is survived by his beloved dog, “Coco”.

Robert was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Elizabethton for many years and was a former member of Oak Park Baptist Church in New Orleans. He participated in several mission trips abroad and served others at home, in addition to serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Robert practiced medicine as an orthopedic surgeon at the Westside Orthopaedic Clinic, West Jefferson Medical Center, and Meadowcrest Hospital for 30 years where he was loved by staff and patients and he in turn, loved them. He was known for whistling in the hall of the hospital while handing out lollipops to staff thereby bringing a smile to many faces. Some of his favorite memories included being a Red Kettle Bell Ringer and assisting a number of nonprofits that helped people and animals. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, coaching soccer at PAC in Algiers and being a team physician to some high school sports teams.

In his early years he attended and graduated from Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge. Robert pursued premed at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and graduated from Louisiana State Medical School in New Orleans. He was an avid football fan and held season tickets to the LSU Tigers games in Baton Rouge and the New Orleans Saints games in New Orleans. 

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 2 p.m. EST at Happy Valley Memorial Park 2708 Elizabethton Hwy Johnson City, Tennessee with Reverend Raymond Amos, Reverend Robert Countiss, D. Min., and Reverend Lynn Rodrigue officiating and family members will say a few words as part of the eulogy. Military honors will be accorded at the graveside. Those wishing to attend the graveside service may meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 N. Riverside Drive in Elizabethton, on Oct. 27th at 1:15 p.m. EST to go in procession to the cemetery.  There will be no visitation at the home after service.  

The family wishes to thank the staff at Amedysis Home Health in Elizabethton, Home Instead in Johnson City, and all of the medical community in Elizabethton and Johnson City.

 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a church ministry or animal shelter of your choice. 

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.  Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 (423)542-2232, is honored to serve the family of Dr. Robert Andrew Fleming, Jr.