Attorney Willie Clay Fleming (Billy)

August 26, 1927 - November 19, 2021

Attorney Willie Clay Fleming (Billy), 94, of Shelbyville, Kentucky passed away Friday, November 19, 2021. Fleming was a pioneer of Kentucky black attorneys. He and Alfred Calloway were the first two African Americans to graduate from the University of Louisville School of Law in 1954. His long and distinguished law career spanned sixty-four years. In a quiet and dignified manner, Fleming was a leader and civil rights activist in his community. In the 1950's and 60's, he along with other black leaders was instrumental in the integration of the Shelbyville, KY schools and public swimming pool as well as the creation of better housing for many African Americans in the community. Fleming was a devoted and longtime member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky, the local and national chapters of the Lincoln Institute Alumni Association, Inc., the board of the historic Calvary Cemetery (Shelbyville, KY), and several other church and community organizations. He was a committed servant leader in each of these organizations and very instrumental in their advancement. Fleming's greatest commitment was to his family shown through his love, support, and sharing of all that he had to offer. Willie C. Fleming's life was well lived with service to his family, his church, and his community. Fleming was married to the late Jacqueline Burley Fleming. He is survived by their children, J. Yonzel Fleming (Lynn), Monica F. Ferguson (JT), Kimberly Y. Carter (Bill), Charles B. Marshall, Jr. (Shirley) and Denise M. Hayden; eight grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; four sisters, Anna Lee Harris, Lina E. Wigginton, Ollie Hackett and Bessie J. Tinsley; and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends. Visitations: Sunday, November 28, 2pm-5pm and Monday, November 29, 11am-12pm. Funeral: Monday, November 29, 12 noon. Both viewings and funeral will be held at Bethel AME Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Shelbyville, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bethel AME Church in Shelbyville, KY or Calvary Cemetery, Shelbyville, KY.