Samuel Earl Fleming

Samuel E. ‘Sammy’ Fleming, 86, of Abbeville, husband of the late Sandra Norris Fleming, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood. He was born in Donalds, SC to the late Samuel Allen and Ava Latham Fleming.

Sammy, known for his gentle spirit and steadfast presence, graduated from Dixie High School, Class of 1960. Soon after completing high school, he answered the call to serve his country. He joined the United States Navy, dutifully serving aboard the USS Yorktown. After his time in the Navy, Sammy continued his service through the South Carolina National Guard. He retired as a Staff Sergeant (SSG) after a dedicated 23-year career, having been a valued member of Company A, 111 Signal Battalion in Abbeville, South Carolina, from 1975 to 1993. He served during the Korean War.

Sammy built a long and respected career in the maintenance department, as an electrician, at Pirelli Cable, now Prysmian, from which he retired. His knowledge and reliability left a mark among his colleagues and friends.

He was, above all, a dedicated family man. Sammy loved his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He found great enjoyment in gardening and farming, activities through which he expressed his appreciation for nature. Tending to his land and watching things grow gave him joy and purpose.

In addition to his wife, Sandra, and parents, he was preceded in death by his son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Dianne Fleming; two brothers, Larry Fleming and Harry Fleming and two sisters, Sally Ruth Strawhorn and Rachel Collins.

Sammy is survived by his children, Greg E. Fleming, Janet F. Campbell (Trampus) and Jennifer F. Carnley (Kenny); siblings, Jerry Fleming (Maria) of Clinton, MD, Dorothy ‘Susie’ Smith of Donalds, SC, Martha Hyder (Buddy) of Anderson, SC; brother-in-law, Edgar Norris of Washington State; five grandchildren, Samantha (John Robert), Brooke (Trevor), Jonathan, Te (fiance, Chloe) and Brandon (Kolbie); and seven great-grandchildren, Hayden, Baylor, Tate, Grady, Campbell, Riggons and Roman.

The family will receive friends 12:30PM – 1:30PM, Thursday, August 27, 2026, at South Side Baptist Church, 505 W. Greenwood Street, Abbeville, SC 29620. A service to celebrate Sammy’s life will begin at 2:00PM, in the church sanctuary with Pastor Joel Bradberry officiating. Inurnment will follow in Due West Baptist Church Cemetery, Lindsey Cemetery Road, Due West, SC with full military honors.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Sammy may be sent to South Side Baptist Church, 505 W. Greenwood St., Abbeville, SC 29620 or A Place For Us Farm, PO Box 797 Greenwood, SC 29648.

The family is at the home.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Fleming family.