Alan "Al" Knight Fleming

Alan Knight "Al" Fleming, a Columbus Icon died Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Columbus Hospice House at the age of 91.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, March 19, 2022 in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Georgia 31907 with Rev. Daryl Brown and Mr. Johnny Updike officiating. Mr. Dave Nahley and Mr. Phil Scroggins will be giving the eulogy. The family will receive friends following the services at the funeral home.

Al was born March 23, 1930 to the late Roy Walter Fleming and Evelyn Dorothy Knight Fleming in Montclaire, NJ where he spent most of his younger years.

Al joined the Airforce in 1951 and  was honorably discharged in 1955. Al started his network newscasting career in 1960 in Fargo South Dakota. This career brought him to Columbus Georgia in 1966. He worked for local networks, WDAK, WTVM, WRBL and WLTZ before retiring in 2015. Al is remembered by many for his commentaries, for which he won several Emmy Awards. He also won several other newscasting awards throughout his career.

Al was also a local business owner. He owned the ice cream shoppe, Dipper Dans, from 1968 to early 70’s. He opened The Bronze Boot in 1973 and then Al Who’s Place in 1975 on Buena Vista Rd., which he is locally known for. He moved it’s location to Sidney Simons Blvd. in 1988, and opened Flemings Prime Time Restaurant. He later sold the Restaurant to his step-son, Neil Turner, who renamed the restaurant Scooters. Al ran Al Whos until he sold it in 2003.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roy Fleming, wife, Gloria Fleming, and step-sons, Neil Turner and Freddie Updike.

Al is survived by his wife, Patricia Fleming, children and step-children, Kathy Turner of Columbus GA, Betty Starnes of Portage MI, Sharon Mapes of Columbus , GA, Vicki Hardage of Columbus, GA, Missy (Donnie) Lemons of Birmingham AL, Johnny (Stephanie) Updike of Americus, GA, Jenny (Shane) James of Columbus, GA, and grandchildren, Chase Hardage, Haley Hardage, Caden Lemons, John (Maribeth) Updike, Sydney James, Freddie Updike, Max Lemons, Ellie James, and Adalyn Updike. He is also survived by his close friends, Dave Nahley, Bob Nahley, who were like a sons to Al, and his fur babies, Bitsey and Morgan.

Many thanks to Columbus Hospice Nurses and their loving care. Al, you were loved by many and will be missed by all.