Making his first debut on December 11, 1933, Webster Fleming was born to Mary & William Fleming in a home filled with love and seven siblings in Willard, Ohio. Although learning did not come easy, Web credits his faith in God and wise words from his grandmother to give him courage to strive and obtain his goals. His first love and career emerged during his senior year at Willard High School. President Eisenhower attended their chili cook-off and fellow students cleared the floor as "Webby" took over; dancing and impressing everyone with his showmanship and style A star was born! After graduating in 1954, he went on to sing and tour with the Negro spiritual group "Wings Over Jordan" for the next three years. He spent 15 years abroad singing, tap dancing and touring in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim countries. This international jet setter is known as world famous, Hak Shan (Black Mountain) performing Chinese Opera. He performed in many languages including: Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Thai, Maley, Indonesian, French and English. He quickly became a fan favorite with his velet-rich baritone voice, heart of gold, comedic skills and impressions of Louie Armstrong, Ray Charles and Elvis. He sold out the Playboy Club in Hong Kong for 21 consecutive weeks a new record. For the past 40 years Web was a pillar of his community in Cleveland, Ohio. He enjoyed keeping an immaculate home, gardening, cooking and traveling as far as his passport and imagination would take him. He served as an Assistant Activity Director at a nursing home in Cleveland for nine years. He engaged the residents and they grew produce as well as a giant pumpkin that weighed more than 100 pounds. He later was employed at the YWCA as a Guest Services Coordinator for an additional nine years. He dressed as Santa and gave gifts to the children, with the heartiest Ho Ho Ho ever! Web had a gift to uplift others with his kind words, inspirational stories, and signature catch phrase "HOLD MY FEET!" He will be greatly missed. As he reunites with his wonderful ancestors we know 'who got next' leading the heavenly choir. In 2020, Webby relocated to the Akron area to live near his Goddaughter Pam Baxter, along with many visits to his Godsons, Jeff Baxter of Hoover, Alabama; Mark Baxter of Parker, Colorado; Steve Baxter of Rootstown, Ohio, and their families. Web leaves one living sister, Ida Mae Thompson of Mansfield, Ohio, and a host of God children, cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends to cherish sweet memories.
Web's Celebration of Life will begin on Thursday, January 19, 2023 with calling hours from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio and also on Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the funeral home with the funeral service at 12:00 PM. The burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Willard, Ohio. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Tammy Kimbro - Sep 17, 2023
Awe Webbie. I was thinking of you this morning and I looked you up only to find that I was months late in telling you how much I love and missed you. You were not only a part of the YWCA family but you were a special part of my heart. Thank you for bringing so much joy and laughter into my life. I will never forget when my little cousin came home from school and said "guess who was at my school...Little Richard" and I come to find out it was you! We laughed so hard. You truly had an effect on the kids and on me. You are truly missed Webbie and I will love you forever!
Ruth Shrader Felger - Feb 7, 2023
My earliest memory of Web was when he sang the Lord prayer at the New Haven Methodist Church. He was a friend of my sister Linda Shrader. The next time I saw him was April, 1968. My husband and I were in Hong Kong. We were headed back to our hotel when I looked up and saw Web Fleming on the playboy marquee. Long story short we visited with him and returned that evening for his show. What a memorable experience. Wonderful man.
Andy & Cindy Thornton - Jan 30, 2023
RIP Web! We are so blessed to have known you and we have many great memories of your visits up at Mom & Dad's with Larry.
Randy and Jeanie Watts (Palm Coast, Florida) - Jan 23, 2023
We are thinking of you all and praying for your comfort during this sad and difficult time. What a wonderful person Webby was. I feel privileged to have known him. He was such a talent and I was fortunate that he mentored me in the early days of my singing career. He was kind and helpful and I considered him a friend. May God surround you all with His love and give you peace.
Bev Ganni - Jan 21, 2023
To Web’s family and friends, my deepest condolences. I feel blessed to have heard him sing many times when I was young. He had a blessed voice. God bless.
Jim and Charlotte Gray - Jan 20, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the family of Web. Being a Willard H.S. classmate of Web's we were the best of friends. My mother. Mickey Gray, taught Web the Latin version of the Ave Maria. I accompanied on the piano in our home in New Haven. We did several gigs together. Web's laugh, of course, was contagious. I remember after our high school class reunions that Web was able to attend, we would meet at the now Uncle Dudley's restaurant for breakfast the next day. Web would always break out into a song and it was enjoyed from the other customer's in the restaurant. He truly loved to sing. Rest in peace wonderful friend.
Tina DeThomaso - Jan 20, 2023
I have known Web since I was a little girl. He has slept over our house and my grandparents house and he was really good friends with my father, Nicky DeThomaso. They used to play together in old Orchard Beach growing up. My dad played the acordian… I loved him very much , mybwhole family did! He visited over the years did shows for us in our living room, he will surely be missed, but I know my father who is now in heaven as well, will be so happy to see him! Love and prayers to you all 🙏❤️
Tina DeThomaso - Jan 20, 2023
I have known Web since I was a little girl. He has slept over our house and my grandparents house and he was really good friends with my father, Nicky DeThomaso. They used to play together in old Orchard Beach growing up. My dad played the acordian… I loved him very much , mybwhole family did! He visited over the years did shows for us in our living room, he will surely be missed, but I know my father who is now in heaven as well, will be so happy to see him! Love and prayers to you all 🙏❤️
Laura Dowling Lloyd - Jan 19, 2023
My condolences to Webby’s family. My late parents Dean Dowling and Linda Reichert Dowling went to school with him and spoke highly of him.
Jim & Deb White - Jan 19, 2023
We are sending thoughts and prayers for Webs family. We had the pleasure of meeting him many many years ago. He was one of the peoples that left a you loving him instantly.
Bill and Beverly Chapman - Jan 19, 2023
Web was a tried and true friend of ours and will be missed for many years to come
Fred Miller - Jan 19, 2023
Webby the songster used to sing every Sunday when we were growing up in Willard. Great man we last met in Okinawa Japan in 1974 while on a uso your. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Laura Taylor- Jenkins - Jan 19, 2023
Sorry for your loss..
Tracey L Strong (Hatton) - Jan 18, 2023
My deepest condolences to the family of Web! He graduated with my late mother Mary A Hatton and she always spoke so highly of him. God Bless you all!
Robert Stone - Jan 18, 2023
I've only had the privilege of knowing a few people who have touched so many lives Web was one of the few with his deep boisterous laugh that instantly made you feel good inside He will be dearly missed God bless you Web
Jane Hargrove Amstutz - Jan 18, 2023
Web was a great entertainer. At WHS & at local club meetings I often accompanied him on the piano. He was a friend to many classmates & local citizens. Many of our veterans saw him perform as they traveled abroad, too. He had a long & rich life bringing joy to his audiences.
Keith - Jan 18, 2023
I will forever remember that infectious laugh and soft-spoken voice. I would've loved to hear that voice on a stage in his prime. I know he will leave a hole in your hearts, but he's singing with the angels now. God speed, Webby.
Charmaine Longanbach (James Gray's sister-in-law) - Jan 18, 2023
I had the privilege of meeting Web only a couple times, but the mention of his name brings a smile to my face. Undoubtedly, there are now many smiling faces in heaven. Rest in peace Web.
Charmaine Longanbach - Jan 18, 2023
I had the privilege of meeting Web only a couple times, but the mention of his name brings a smile to my face. Undoubtedly, there are now many smiling faces in heaven. Rest in peace, Web.
Laura Feran - Jan 18, 2023
Web,. thank you for all the love you showed me. You always made me feel like I was the best person you knew. You built me up, that was your specialty. I am grateful for all the memories made with you over the years. Rest easy Webby!
Dorothy Seidel - Jan 18, 2023
Remember Webby from school years and he sang in my wedding. He was always laughing and a delight to be around. He will be missed
Libby stone - Jan 17, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about web, just remember Your parting is not the end of your relationship, Only an interruption, you have not lost WEB, because we know where he is. Isa. 41-10
Barbara (Bollinger) Schumaker - Jan 17, 2023
Web will be missed by many who knew him.
