FLEMING D MITCHELL

MR. MITCHELL'S SERVICE WILLBE LIVESTREAMED. YOU CAN GO TO GRACE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WEBSITE, COPY AND PASTE THE LINK, OR CLICK ON THE LINK:   https://youtube.com/@gracefbc?si=qrbx5cJIuNoPaTZ8

Chief Master Sergeant Fleming D. Mitchell was called Home to be with his Lord and Savior on 9 August 2024 at the age of 78 surrounded by family.

One of six children, Fleming was born on 11 April 1946 to Bernard and Marie Mitchell in Portsmouth Virginia (due to transcription error from his birth certificate, all his records state 4 April). He was a graduate of IC Norcom High School in Portsmouth Virginia where he played drums in the high school band and became Drum Major (stories of his performances were told for years).

Fleming was a man “larger than life” and was known by many names.  To the Mitchell family and childhood friends he was Duke or Uncle Duke, to the Coleman family he was Fleming or Uncle Fleming, to his friends he was Mitch, to the military he was Chief, he was also DJ Mitch and Pops. 

But to his wife Hilda he was Fleming, Daddy to his daughter Michelle, and to his grandsons Brandon and Stephen he was “LeeLee”.

In 1967, he joined the United States Air Force and while at home, on leave, he met the love of his life Hilda Coleman of 57 years who at the time was visiting from New York for his sister’s bridal shower.  He went back home the next day knowing she would be his wife, they courted over the telephone and the next time he saw her was to marry her.  On 21 June 1967 they married.  Daughter and only child Michelle Mitchell would be welcomed in March of 1968 at Shepard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX.

A decorated veteran, his military career lasted 30 years, where he obtained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the top 1% of the enlisted force, with him serving tours in Vietnam and Thailand as well as the family travelling with him to various assignments across the world to include Lakenheath AFB England, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, McGuire AFB, New Jersey, AFCENT, The Netherlands, Lackland AFB, Texas and finally Brooks AFB, Texas where he retired in1996.  He gained lifelong friends (family) along the way, many of whom he remained in contact with until his death.

Shy or soft-spoken were not words that would ever be used to describe Fleming.  He was a “straight shooter”, outspoken, full of personality, wit and humor and loved by many around the world (literally). He was also a mentor and confidant.  If he was your friend, he was a true and faithful friend only a phone call away.  His greatest love though was that of his family and he was theirs. He was a provider, a fierce protector, mentor, the anchor.  Everything.

His life changed on March 4, 2004, when he suffered a massive heart attack.  Even though they performed bypass surgery, the damage was so severe to his heart that it left him with advanced heart failure. He was so sick – he was debilitated, but he fought.  The prognosis for a “normal” person was 30 days but God was not through with him. On the day of the transplant while they were preparing him in the OR, the ambulance transporting the donor heart had an accident.  One EMT took his heart and RAN with it to the hospital while the other EMT stayed at the scene and waited for the police.  He received the heart transplant on 24 May 2005 and turned those 30 days to 20 years!  That second chance at life was not lost to him.  That and the fact that for him to live, someone else had to give the “Gift of Life” to donate their heart (a young woman).  From there he became very active with TOSA (Texas Organ Sharing Alliance) and volunteered his time speaking with people waiting for a transplant and making television appearances to promote the personal decision of organ donation.

After the transplant he remained extremely active.  He continued to play golf, continued his love of music working as a well-known DJ and was a member of various civic organizations to include the Achievers of San Antonio. 

Fleming’s impact extended far beyond his military and civilian endeavors. His dedication to serving others and his community led to him becoming a Prince Hall Master Mason on June 16, 1973, at Donald E. Jones Lodge No. 121, RAF Lakenheath, England, under the auspices of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland and Jurisdiction (MWPHGL of Maryland). After serving in numerous Lodges at several difference locations, in difference Jurisdictions, overseas and stateside, and while holding many Ancient Craft titles and positions, on January 1, 1980, Fleming joined Benjamin F. Luke Lodge No. 127 and returned to the MWPHGL of Maryland and its Jurisdiction. He would remain a member of the Maryland Jurisdiction until his passing where he was a member of the Military Holding Lodge, under the MWPHGL of Maryland. Due to his hard work, dedication and demonstrated leadership, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the MWPHGL of Maryland appointed Right Worshipful Mitchell as a District Deputy Grand Master at Large (Texas) on June 12, 2018, an outstanding honor for an outstanding Mason. Fleming was also a Scottish Rite Mason of distinction who received the honorary 33rd and last degree in Masonry on October 8, 1979, from the United Supreme Council, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction of Tennessee. Due to his deep commitment to the values and principles of Freemasonry, on 9 December 2022, Fleming was nominated and elected as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 33rd Degree under the United Supreme Council, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction of Washington, DC. SGIG Fleming Mitchell’s Masonic career spanned over a half of century. He loved and was very active in the Masonic Order right up until his health began to fail him. His embodiment of Masonic virtues has undoubtedly left an indelible impact on the numerous Masonic Brethren and Sisters he has influenced across various Masonic bodies during his service.

Through the years after the transplant, he was diligent and compliant with his healthcare.  In the last 3 years of his life, his health started to steadily decline, and he continued to battle and fight with the strength and dignity like no other; keeping faith, family and God at the forefront.  Unfortunately, his body could not continue the fight.

Fleming was preceded in death by his parents Bernard Mitchell and Marie Mitchell, brothers Bernard Mitchell and Walter Mitchell, sisters Elsie Coleman and Barbara Mitchell and grandson Brandon Mitchell.

He leaves to cherish his memories the love of his life, Hilda Mitchell, daughter Michelle Mitchell, grandson Stephen Mitchell all of San Antonio, TX, his sister Fannie Coleman of Chesapeake VA, brother-in-law Clarence Coleman of San Antonio, TX, sister-in-law Allie Stokes of San Antonio, TX.  Nieces Yvette Christian of Chesapeake VA, Gina Richardson of Chesapeake VA, Mary Coleman of Suitland MD, Helen Blakeney of Greensboro NC, Kimberly Clotman of Philadelphia PA and nephews Larry Stokes of San Antonio, TX, Carlos Goffigan of Buford, GA, Trevor Coleman of Jacksonville, FL and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews and family and friends.