James R. Fleenor

James Fleenor, a retired veteran of the US Air Force and fireman at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, has died from post operative complications. He was 75. Born in Abingdon, Virginia, he enlisted in the Air Force at age 19. While there, he was housed at several bases around the US and received training as a fireman. He served in the Air Force for 8 years receiving the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1961, he joined Oak Ridge National Laboratories as a fireman at its X-10 plant. He remained employed there for 34 years until his retirement in 1995. He loved traveling, old cars, sports, and most of all, his family. His friends and family will miss his witty one-liners, hearty laugh, and overwhelming kindness. He was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church of Maryville, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Fleenor, and sisters Evelyn Fleenor and Dorothy Gardner, both of Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sue Cogdill Fleenor; his daughter and son-in-law, Lana and Gary Prosterman of Memphis; his son, Steve Fleenor of Los Angeles; and, four adored grandchildren, Joel, Linley, Kallen and Elle Prosterman, all of Memphis. Also, he is survived by two sisters, Beulah Wilson, Abingdon, Virginia, and Nancy Deyerle,Rockledge, Florida. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the West Chapel with Rev. Wayne Sexton officiating. Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at Grandview Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, September 14, 2009 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the West Chapel of Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.smithmortuary.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James R. Fleenor please visit our Sympathy Store.