Cecil Phillip "Phil" Fleming

Cecil Phillip "Phil" Fleming passed away peacefully at his hunting ranch in Junction, Texas on January 28, 2023. Born on October 3, 1942, in Andalusia, Alabama at his grandmother's home, he was the eldest son of the late Cecil B. and Irby Opal (Raley) Fleming.

Phil was a 1961 graduate of Del Rio High School. "Who didn't have a crush on Phil Fleming," said Janet Tidwell Davis, a graduate of Del Rio High School. But, on December 27, 1964, Phil married his high school sweetheart, Dixie Katheryn "Kay" Fleming and spent his life with her.

In 1968, Phil graduated from the University of Houston School of Business.

Phil was a hardworking man who worked his way full-time through college. He worked at Pan American Oil and went to night school. He became a Petroleum Landman. When he graduated, he moved to New Orleans where he spent his years at Pan American and Exchange Oil and Gas. At Exchange he met some of his best friends, Don Drury and Bob Martin. In New Orleans, he learned and loved to play tennis, which he would continue to play for the rest of his life with his family and great friends, such as Tom Leary, John Ullrich and Earl Williams. In 1979, the family moved to Houston where Phil opened the Exchange Oil and Gas office. He spent his entire career in the oil and gas business. In 2001, he joined Sandalwood Oil and Gas. Here he was brought into a brotherhood of Christian men and women who had a huge impact on his faith. He started sharing his faith with all of those around him. Thank you to Robert Voorhees for his fellowship and guidance.

Although he loved the city life, his country roots lead him to Madisonville, Texas where he and Kay bought a 60-acre ranch with cows and horses in 1984. They spent every weekend at the ranch and retired to there in 2019. He loved working the ranch, riding his tractor, fixing fences, tending the cows, watching the deer and taking on the daily challenges of ranch life. While in Madisonville, he met his best friend, Randy Campbell, when Randy pulled Phil's truck out of a ditch.

Phil was a very active member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen. He served various roles including President of the organization. He was a member of The Dwelling Place Church. His best role in life was as a husband, father and grandfather. His first choice was to be with family.

Phil is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Dixie Katheryn "Kay" Fleming of Midway, Texas; daughter, Windy Fleming Koehler of Dallas, Texas, and her husband, Mike and their children, Emily of (Chicago, Illinois), Austin of (Austin, Texas), Heidi of (University of Alabama) and Claire of (Dallas, Texas); his son, Phillip Fleming of Montgomery, Texas, and his wife Christie Fleming and their children, Abigail of (University of Texas), Clay of (University of Arkansas) and Cole Fleming of Montgomery, Texas; and his son, Cody Fleming of Highland Village, Texas and his children, Luke of Highland Village, Texas and Lila of Highland Village, Texas.

Phil was preceded in death by his younger brother, John "Johnny" Lawrence Fleming, Spec 5 US Army and is survived by his sister, Opal Priscilla "Pat" Watson of Andalusia, Alabama and brother, Paul Edmond Fleming, Staff Sergeant US Army retired and his wife, Marion of Hutto, Texas; his brother-in -law, Windol Weaver, Lt Col USAF retired and his wife, Sondra and sister-in-law, Peggye Jane Thornburg and husband, Frank Thornburg, Col USAF NC retired. Also surviving Phil is a large extended family from Maine to Florida including best friend, cousin "Brother Bill" Henderson and many other cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

A funeral service for Phil will be held 2 P.M., Friday, February 3, 2023 at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas. Bro. Glenn Campbell will officiate. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 1 P.M. to service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers: Mike Koehler, Tony Fleming, Austin Koehler, Clay Fleming, Luke Fleming, Cole Fleming

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Phil's name to The Dwelling Place Church (Madisonville, TX), a church of choice, American Heart Association, Samaritan's Purse and YoungLife.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.