Lamar Lafayette Fleming

January 21, 1939 - August 14, 2022

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St. Paul's Anglican Church

304 E. Camperdown Way

Greenville, SC 29601

864-232-0994 |

Friday 9/16, 2:00 pm

Reception to Follow

Dr. Fleming was born January 21, 1939, in Augusta, Georgia, where he spent his childhood. Dr. Fleming was devout in his love of Christ, Family, University of Georgia Bulldogs, and the practice of Orthopaedics Medicine. Dr. Fleming based his life on the old Camp Carolina Hymn by H. A. Walter, “I would be true for there are those who trust me.”

Dr. Fleming attended high school in Augusta, GA, at Richmond Academy, Class of 1957 (the oldest public military high school in the United States). There he played center on the 1956 Georgia State High School Championship football team. He received many honors while at the Academy, including the Gold R and the Sheridan Sabre, the school’s highest honor. He also lettered in basketball, football, and tennis, and was inducted into the Richmond Academy Hall of Fame.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia, Class of 1961, with a BS degree in Organic Chemistry. During that time, he was president of SAE and Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Medical College of Georgia, Class of 1965, and received the distinguished alumni award in 2011. While at MCG, he was a member of the Scholastic Honor Society, and was awarded AOA in his third year.

Dr. Fleming completed his internship and training in internal medicine at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, TX; his General Surgery Residency at Talmadge Memorial Hospital in Augusta, GA; and completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC. He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving as a Naval Flight Surgeon, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Dr. Fleming acted as the Chief of Orthopaedics at the VA, Grady Memorial, and Emory University Hospitals in Atlanta, GA, before becoming Department Chair. He was an excellent surgeon, most recognized for his clinical expertise in hand and foot surgery. During his 15-year tenure as Department Chair, he recruited talented faculty and guided the Emory Orthopaedic Department through significant growth in size and national prominence. He started the Emory Sports and Spine Center which led to the expansion of Emory Orthopeadics throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area. He founded the Emory Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Alumni Organization, the Robert Kelly Society, which is still active today. He received the Emory Distinguished Medical Achievement Award in 2012. Throughout his career, he held multiple leadership positions in local (President of Atlanta Orthopaedic Society), state (President of Georgia Orthopaedic Society), regional (President of Eastern Orthopaedic Association and Southern Orthopaedic Association), and national (President of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) organizations. He was awarded the distinguished Southern Orthopaedist by the SOA. He published over 40 peer reviewed articles and served on several editorial boards. He achieved the rank of Professor in the Emory School of Medicine during his active career and continued as Professor Emeritus of Emory University following retirement.

Despite all of his work in research and academia, Dr. Fleming never lost sight of the care of his patients. This was his first and highest calling. Dr. Fleming was a larger-than-life personality and although he was a tough disciplinarian when called for, he was also caring, concerned, and encouraging. He was smart, intense, humorous, and as skilled in the art of wit as he was with the scalpel, screw, and plate. He never met a stranger and cherished his colleagues and residents. He believed that everyone within the four walls of the hospital played an important role in the overall care of the patient, from the maintenance staff to the surgeons, and he loved them all.

Dr. Fleming was an athlete, avid outdoorsman, and travel enthusiast. He loved to snow ski, water ski, cycle, play tennis, and hunt. He especially loved playing golf with his friends at the Capital City Club and the Piedmont Driving Club, where he was a member while living in Atlanta. He was also a member of the Lake Rabun Association.

Dr. Fleming was a loving husband, doting father, caring uncle, surrogate grandfather, and mentor to hundreds of trainees under his watch. His residents knew him as a father figure to whom they could always turn for guidance, not only for tough Orthopaedic problems, but also for hurdles in their personal lives. “Dr. Fleming” stories are always told during gatherings of his former residents and faculty. He was respected and loved by all and will be deeply missed, but his legacy and impact will live on through those whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Sally Hurt Fleming, who was at his bedside when he peacefully passed away; daughters, Anne Ridley Fleming of Greenville, SC, and Sarah Sibley Fleming of Atlanta, GA; sister, Florence “Florrie” Fleming Corley of Marietta, GA; many nieces and nephews, and by the 400 plus Orthopaedic women and “boys” he had the honor and privilege to teach the practice of Orthopaedics over his 39 plus year career. As Dr. Fleming said, “The greatest pleasure has been to be a part of the training and lives of so many residents and help guide their Orthopaedic careers. God has made me a very blessed man.”

Dr. Fleming was preceded in death by his father, William Cornelius Fleming; mother, Sarah Virginia Sibley Fleming; and brothers, William Henry Fleming II and Samuel Hale Sibley Fleming.

The family would like to thank Mike Delello for his assistance with Dr. Fleming’s end of life care, and to W. Aaron Conley and his children, Henry and Charles, for bringing so much joy to Dr. Fleming’s life these last five years.

Dr. Fleming’s remains will be laid to rest by his family in Augusta, GA. A religious service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, September 16, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Greenville, SC, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greenville Area Parkinson Society, P.O. Box 6505 Greenville, SC 29609, www.gapsonline.org or St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 304 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes

Anna Bridges

Neal Edwin Davies, Jr.

Dotty and Walter J Moser

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St. Paul's Anglican Church

304 E. Camperdown Way

Greenville, SC 29601

864-232-0994 | Map

Friday 9/16, 2:00 pm

Reception to Follow

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Dr. Lamar Lafayette Fleming of Augusta, GA; Atlanta, GA; and Greenville, SC, passed away on August 14, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina. His passing is a result of his struggle with COVID and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Fleming was born January 21, 1939, in Augusta, Georgia, where he spent his childhood. Dr. Fleming was devout inContinue Reading

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Sally, Anne, and Sarah, I'm deeply sad to hear about Lamar's passing away! He was an amazing man, and I can only imagine how much you miss him. Know that I have all of you in my prayers. While Anne and I have kept up a bit, I've kept up with all of you through Tomi and Doug Bays, with whom we go to church and are close friends. Still miss you all and wanted to let you know how sorry I am. Blessings, Nancy Beane

Sally, Dr. Fleming will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your daughters during this time! He was a wonderful person to have known. Sending our love. Renee Smith

Dr Fleming means so much to me. He gave me my shot hiring me as a proud new member of his Orthopaedic department at Emory. He always had my back and stood behind me regardless. He has always quick to share words of encouragement and willing to offer a shoulder when needed. I would not be where I am were it not for his guidance and the opportunity given. It is with the deepest sadness and sense of gratitude that I offer my condolences. With warmest regards, Bob Bruce

With loving memories of the Doc, and our deepest sympathy to Sally, Anne and Sarah.

In Our Thoughts was purchased for the family of Lamar Fleming by Clay and Al Battle. Send Flowers

I will miss you Dr. Fleming. Love Anna

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sally, Dudley and I were so saddened to read about Lamar. We have fond memories of the whole Fleming family. Lamar was quite a charmer and such a gentleman. He will be missed by many, many friends. Our love to you, your family and Florrie, Soleta and Dudley

Sally, Anne, and Sarah - What lovely memories I have of Lamar all those years we lived in the same neighborhood, enjoyed book club parties and gatherings at your house on Arden Close. This memorial in celebration of his life is right on, down to the extraordinary wit, warm nature, and loving kindness. May you all find peace in these memories, as do all of us who knew him and all of you. Blessings and love, Lasley and Jim Gober

Deepest condolences to Sally and the family. Lamar will be missed. Herschel and Jennifer Beker

Long live “The King!” Sally, Anne and Sarah, Allison and I send you a big hug. What fond memories we have of Lamar. Keeping you in our prayers. Much love to the 3 of you!

Dear Sally and family, I was so sad to read about Lamar's passing. What a man he was! His newspaper story was magnificent, sharing notes about his stellar career and his love of family and friends. I remember Lamar at our Book Club parties of long ago -- always graceful in his participation. I pray that love surrounds you today and in all the days ahead. Love, Corinne

I was very sadden to read of Lamar's passing.He and I were on the football team for three years. As a matter of fact he livered in a former chicken house with me and three other members of the team at a ill equipped camp. When you live that close together for two weeks you get to know everyone pretty well. Lamar was the the one that made it bearable with his attitude and humor. He made it fun. He was highly thought of by all of our teammates. Even-though we did not see each other very often I will miss him being gone. Most Sincerely, Tony Atkins

Our heartfelt love and prayers are with Sally and the Fleming family at this time of their loss of Lamar. He was truly great and caring, blessing so many of us with his love and friendship. We will all dearly miss his presence. God Bless.

Dear Sally, Richard and I are deeply sorry about the passing of Lamar. He was a brilliant doctor, great husband and father.... and a kind neighbor. I remember when he allowed Dana to "intern" with him when she was thinking of becoming a doctor. It was a real privilege for her to shadow his rounds and watch him interact with patients and staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anne, and Sarah. With deepest sympathy, Darlene and Richard Schultz

Dear Sally, Anne, and Sarah, We are so sorry for your loss. You all were some of our first friends when we moved to Atlanta many years ago. We have such warm memories of sitting with you at St. Philip's and watching our girls acolyte. Lamar was a wonderful friend, husband, father, and physician. He has left a wonderful legacy. With love, Kathie and Steve Larkin

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Fleming on two occasions. First when he performed hand surgery on my mother, restoring the use of her hands, and we are forever grateful for his expertise and care. Second, when he was in the process of moving to Rabun County, GA upon retirement from Emory, I was able to provide him with some assistance. The world will miss Dr. Fleming.

Our prayers are with you Sally, and your sweet family. Lamar was such an amazing man and doctor and such a stately gentleman. I loved reading just how larger than life he was and how he loved his life’s calling, and helping others. May you find comfort in the love of your family and friends, wonderful memories, time, your faith, and the knowledge that Lamar is now in the presence of Jesus. Prayers for you all, and Gods blessings in this sad time. Love to you, Brenda

So very sorry for your loss, it was a loss for all of us. Lamar brought me here to Emory in 1997 and I finished my career here. Forever grateful to him for that as Emory and Atlanta have become home. Will always think of him fondly and continue to miss him.

I first met him in the summer of 1979 and last was with him in the summer of 2022. Upon our first meeting, at my own job interview, his command persona caught me a little off guard. As a young clinician, I had a sense of awe about how he did things and how much he knew about the scope of Orthopaedics. He took me under his wing from a mentoring standpoint, teaching me a small portion of his knowledge in the field. He also taught me about life in general, not to mention being a good husband and father by example. Most importantly, he and Sally took my own family (Ellen and Ryan) into their extended family unit and for that I am eternally grateful. He trained so many medical and allied health students, residents and later fellows. He made such an impression on a friend when he lectured the Emory PT students in 1979, that friend, who now has 2 PhDs and is Director of a PT program at another university, asks about him whenever we speak to this day. He showed surgeons in training, the best way forward in doing complex procedures never being afraid to admit his own trials and errors in developing pioneering surgical procedures. He was always a stickler for being precise. I think his greatest legacy was his own foresight, as the departmental chair, to expand the department hiring fantastic people, never being afraid to hire those who might someday outshine him. He brought about a huge change to the scope of practice and research at Emory, not to mention expanding the residency and fellowship teaching programs. Due to his early vision, which was continued by his own proteges and hires, Emory Orthopaedics became the great force it is for the teaching and research of clinicians, not to mention its high priority of patient care for which he was ever faithful. We all are better off having known him, as well as the hundreds of thousands of lives his students have touched that never knew Lamar Fleming.

I was privileged to know Lamar and Sally through Lake Rabun and Capital City. He was a very interesting and witty individual and someone I enjoyed being around, especially in the gym. Blessings to the Fleming family on your loss.

I am so sorry for the loss of Dr Fleming! I know how much he loved his girls. He was always so kind to me. I have an especially fond memory of playing in the LRA Golf Tournament with him and my dad. I am thinking of you all and praying for you. Love, Erica

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sally, Lamar was such a wonderful man and we are so sorry for your loss. I remember the light in his eyes and the smile on his lips, even when he struggled to communicate. He was so interested in Lake Rabun history. I loved reading his bio. He had an amazing life. Bob and I will move to Lanier Village in November but we will keep the lake house. Hugs to you and Anne.

Dear Anne and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Fleming’s passing, though I know it is a glorious time for him with his Lord. Heaven has welcomed a very special person, but our hearts still feel the sorrow. May the love of God surround you in the days ahead.

I didn't know Lamar well , but saw he And Sally at Lake Rabun events for many years. In reading his obituary today, I realized what an accomplished physician that he was, as well as a dedicated husband and father. I will be praying for Sally, as I lost my Michele almost 17 years ago and adjustment is not easy, Dr. Bill Sharpton, long time resident, Lake Rabun, Lakemont , Georgia

Dr. Fleming’s kindness and commitment to family and patients was unyielding. He diagnosed a rare matter for me at a young age when others wavered. His legacy will live through the many he touched. Sending love to the Fleming family.

Enjoyed hearing of Lamar while I was an attending at Emory and so enjoyed you, Sally, however briefly,here at Rabun. Loved your humor and warmth and am sad with you now. Betsy Mixson

Anne, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad was such a kindhearted and loving man. I remember chatting with him in Greenville. He was very funny and made me laugh! May he rest in peace, and may God provide you with comfort knowing he is secure in the arms of Jesus. Love, Allison

Lamar was an inspiration to the many faculty he recruited and mentored and the countless trainees and staff that learned from him about Orthopaedics and life. Mary and I would not have come to Emory if it were not for Lamar and Sally's hospitality and interest in our careers and family. He has forever changed Emory Orthopaedics on an upward trajectory and will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and close friends.

In memory of Lamar Lafayette Fleming, Dotty and Walter J Moser lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.