March 8, 2015
A funeral service will be held in Nanango on Monday (March 9) for well-known Nanango businessman Ray Fleming, 83.
Ray Fleming was born in Nanango on October 17, 1931, and passed away on March 3.
Ray married Brenda Templeton in September, 1955, and they have three children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He attended Nanango State School and Ipswich Grammar School. After leaving school, Ray started his apprenticeship at the General Engineering Works which was run by his father, Jack Fleming. He spent his entire working career at what is now Flemings Garage.
He became manager of the workshop in 1964 and took over operation of the business when his father died in 1966. He continued to manage the workshop until he was forced to retire in June 2014.
Ray was an active member of the Nanango community. He was a foundation member of the Nanango and District Kindergarten and built the playground equipment.
He was also a foundation member of the Jaycees which was formed in Nanango by his brother Barry and he built the playground equipment in Jaycees (now Lions) Park.
He was treasurer of the State School P&C for six years, supporter of Scouts and Guides, sponsor of the Nanango Junior Soccer Club, member of the Chamber of Commerce and first president of the Nanango Community Police Liaison Committee, a position he held for 4 years.
He was also a life member of the Nanango Theatre Company and a major donor to Karinya Retirement Home.
Ray joined the Masonic Lodge in 1960, was Master in 1966 and received Grand Lodge honours in 1976, 1985, 1995 and 2002 and held the position of treasurer until the time of his death.
In 1966, Ray became a member of the Nanango Ambulance Committee and held positions of treasurer, deputy chairman, and chairman in 1988. His work directly contributed to the new ambulance centre being built in 1994. In 2007, Ray received an Australia Day Award for his dedication and commitment to the Queensland Ambulance Service and the community of Nanango.
In 1995, Ray received the Nanango Shire Australia Day Citizen’s Award acknowledging his contribution to the Nanango community.
As an avid motoring enthusiast, Ray was a member of the Buick Car Club and the South Burnett Antique Car Club. One of Ray’s vehicles is the beloved 1938 Buick.
Ray was widely known for his sense of humour which helped him in many challenging situations and was thoroughly enjoyed by his family and friends.
He always cared about those less fortunate than himself and devoted his life to care for his brother John.
He was immensely proud of his wife Brenda, children and grandchildren.
- Family and friends have been invited to attend the service at St Anne’s Anglican Church at 2:00pm.
We are so sorry. He will be very much missed by his family and in the community. A thoroughly nice person.
Lovely words. Thank You. Helen White
Losing Ray Fleming, along with other local identities like John Andress, Jim Lenihan and Michael Barrett, is such a loss to the community. All of these gentlemen contributed so much to the local history and development of the South Burnett and will be sorely missed. Their families can be very proud of their legacies.
Yes, the South Burnett has lost some wonderful men and yes, we are very proud of Dad and what he has achieved in his life. Continuing the Fleming’s legacy is my brother Brian & his son Jack.
Sympathy to Brenda and family. His contributions over the so many years to our town was wonderful and a legacy. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.