William H. Fleming, 73, of Grafton

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William H FlemingGrafton – William H. “Bill” Fleming, 73, passed away in the loving embrace of his family at his home Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susanne (Hemenway) Fleming; his children, Karen Fleming-Brooks and her husband, Gary Brooks, and Sharon “Charlie” Fleming and her husband, Philip Beckwith; his grandchildren, William H. Fleming III, Erica Fleming Hayes, Jayson and Elizabeth Brooks; his great-grandchildren, Jacob, Aaron, Evan and Alexis; his beloved nephew and friend, Michael Fleming; and daughter-in-law Melissa Hermans and her husband Don. Bill was one of 12 siblings. He leaves his sisters, Lillian G. Carlson, Bette Ann Borglund, Marlene Perras, Sally Manners and her husband Michael;  brothers Robert A. Sr. and his wife Ann Marie, David B. Sr. and his wife Brenda; and sister-in-law Barbara Hemenway, along with many loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, William H. Fleming Jr.; brothers Earle and Kenneth; and sisters Judith, Janet, Nancy.

Bill was born May 20, 1944 in Worcester, son of the late Earle F. and Lillian (Hill) Fleming. His roots were in North Grafton and lived at his property at Walnut Grove Farm in town for more than 50 years.

He was a truck driver for many years for McLean Trucking and Preston 151 Line, and retired from Teamsters Local 170.

People were welcomed at “Bill’s Barn” either to drew upon his knowledge of farm equipment or simply enjoy his company. Bill was devoted to his family and the town he loved. Always the source of strength for his loving family, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. Bill leaves the legacy of a strong family that joins together to remember and honor him.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Bill with a donation to UMass Medicine Development Office, c/o Pancreatic Research, Dr. Venu Bathini, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

A gathering to honor Bill’s life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 2-6 p.m., at the Grafton Community Barn on Wheeler Road in North Grafton. A Remembrance service will held between 4-5 p.m. All are welcome to come and join Bill’s family and friends. Burial will be private at a later date.

A Book of Memories to share a story, memory of photo of Bill is available online at

www.RoneyFuneralHome.comPHOTO.

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