William H. 'Billy' Fleming

William ‘Billy’ Herbert Fleming, 75, of Abbeville, husband of Betty A. Smith Fleming, died Monday, May 19, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Abbeville, SC on September 15, 1949, to Rose Knox Fleming and the late Clyde Herbert Fleming. 

Billy was a 1967 graduate of Abbeville High School. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in biology from Clemson University in 1971, and his Master’s degree in wildlife biology from Clemson in 1974. He served in the SC National Guard for 25 years, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. Billy dedicated 37 years to the SC Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Biologist. Billy enjoyed hunting, gardening, fishing, and watching his Clemson Tigers play. However, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, brought him the most joy. He was a lifelong member of Abbeville Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and member of the Building & Grounds Committee. He also previously served on the Board of Directors of Abbeville County Farm Bureau, Abbeville County Forest Landowners, and Savannah Land Trust. 

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond A. Fleming. Billy is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty; a son, Will Fleming and his wife Marianna of Abbeville; a daughter, Anna Westerlund and her husband Alan of Charleston; his mother, Rose K. Fleming of Abbeville; a brother, Charles E. Fleming and his wife Janine, of Spartanburg; three grandchildren, Taylor and Sela Westerlund and Knox Fleming; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Abbeville Presbyterian Church, with the Reverend Gordon Tubbs officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens with military honors. 

The family is at the home. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Billy may be sent to the Abbeville Presbyterian Church Foundation, 301 North Main St. Abbeville, SC 29620 or to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd. Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22209.

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

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