The Walking Horse Report has learned that long-time Walking Horse trainer Preach Fleming has passed away this evening.  Fleming had been sick for some time.  A full obituary with arrangements will be available soon.  Fleming is the father of trainer Joe Fleming and grandfather of Slayden Harris, wife of trainer Justin Harris.

The Report passes along its thoughts and prayers to the Fleming family during this time.

H. H. “Preach” Fleming, age 91 of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Christian Care Center of Bedford County. He was born in Birdsville, KY to the late Henry H. Fleming Sr. and Addie Dunn Fleming. He served in the US Army in WWII.
 
Originally a farmer, he left farming in 1959 to become a professional horse trainer. A few of the notable horses he trained were Ebony’s True Grit WGC 1975, Shadow’s Gay Lady WC, Ebony’s Untouchable WC, Push Me Bold WC and Silver Shadows Replica WC. He was a charter member of the Walking Horse Trainers Association, member of the Walking Horse National Celebration Hall of Fame, served on the board of directors and held several offices in the Walking Horse Trainers Association and received the Walking Horse Trainers Association 2010 Friendship Award.

Survivors include sons, Joe (Debbie) Fleming of Shelbyville and Tim (Dawn) Fleming of Stockbridge, GA; grandson, Jim (Julie) Fleming; granddaughters, Holly (Nathan) Mizell and Slayden (Justin) Harris; and six great grandchildren. Visitation is 5-8 PM Monday and 10-11 AM Tuesday at First Church of the Nazarene in Shelbyville.
 
Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Ron DeWitt and Rev. Jim Tedder officiating. Interment at Birdsville Cemetery in Birdsville, KY. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398 (931) 967-2222 www.moorecortner.com