Obituary of Billy Ray Fleming

BillyRay Fleming March 15, 1995-January 28, 2024

BillyRay Fleming, 28, of Baker, Florida, died in Covington County, Alabama around midnight of January 28, 2024 following a vehicle accident. At 1pm February 17, 2024 a funeral will be held in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Crestview to be followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. Announced at a later time a headstone is to be erected in Live Oak Cemetery near his namesake, his paternal grandfather. 

He was born in Crestview, Florida on March 15, 1995 to Carrotta Grantham and Eric Fleming. Billy was a ruff and tumble tinkering, hunting and fishing country boy who wore his heart on his sleeve. It was not uncommon to have the phrase “that one is all boy, followed by a chuckle sent in his direction. His mother Carrotta, being a very smart woman with an eye for the future, would encourage Billy to love, cuddle and care for a doll when he would pick one to play with it. When she heard people comment dolls are for girls she would smile and say, “Well, he’s gonna be a daddy someday.” There was never a question, Billy loved his family, his blood family and the family he, his mother and sister made, especially his sister Kimberly, no siblings were closer. He was a protector, he was a friend, he loved deeply he liked to have a good time and celebrate. He enjoyed his peace in the woods. He liked to feel accomplished by working hard. 

After attending Crestview High School Billy went to search for his passion. While searching, he met Brianna Hicks who gave him the one thing he always wanted, a child of his own. Following in the footsteps of his mother Carrotta Grantham, father Eric Fleming and stepfathers Fred Koehn, Paul Ferguson and Corky Grantham, he chose to be a tradesman. He learned carpentry, car repair, and large machinery repair. With the help of Paul, he finally took the skills he collected and his dedicated work ethic and began on the job training as a Millwright. He chose this path because he knew it would eventually lead to the financial security and lifestyle that he wanted to provide for his daughter Lakelyn while allowing him time to be with her when not on the road. It was one of the long breaks between shut down sites that led to Billy’s passing. He began his spiritual journey in his childhood church, First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.  This foundation was then encouraged by life experiences, family and friends which solidified his connection with Jesus. Billy joyfully shared with everyone that Jesus was his Lord and Savior, and encouraged all to be friends with Jesus, allowing us to rest assured he has returned home. 

Billy was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Verlin McCurdy and Carlotta McCurdy; paternal grandfather, Billy Fleming Sr. and his cousin, Verlin McCurdy’s daughter Misti. He is survived by his parents, Carrotta Grantham and Eric Fleming; sister, Kimberly Hardiek; stepparents and stepbrothers and sisters; Aunt Annette and her children, Aunt Alicia and her children, and Uncle Verlin and his child; and paternal grandmother,Sheila Goodman. If you feel moved to assist the family financially during this mournful time please reach out to his mother Carrotta directly, his child Lakelyn’s mother Brianna, or visit the AngeLink fundraiser established for the funeral expenses https://angelinkweb.page.link/oAamNG9tfVLoY8nr8. If you are moved to make a donation in Billy’s name to a charity, we suggest First Presbyterian Church of Crestview. 

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