Dedicated Physician and Surgeon Founded the First Cancer Clinic in Florida

Richard Marion Fleming, M.D., son of James Monroe and Ernestine Smith Fleming was born in Pensacola and brought enthusiasm, good humor and zest to every phase of his life. He loved Pensacola and his visits home always were considered as warm celebrations by his family and friends. His happy days of growing up in Pensacola were reflected in his published book, It Was a Wonderful Life! He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

Dr. Fleming spent 48 years in the practice of surgery in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida as a specialist in cancer and breast disease; he was Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami Medical School. He was founder and director of the first Cancer Clinic in Florida. Dr. Fleming was the first head of surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach and attending surgeon at the Miami Heart Institute, Jackson Memorial, St. Francis, and Victoria hospitals. He was a member and leader of many professional organizations. Always dedicated to up-to-date scholarship, he authored 42 scientific publications and was a leader in his field. He received numerous honors during his professional career. A representative of the Dade County Medical Association said of Dr. Fleming, "Some people dream of worthy accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them."

Marion Fleming, was known to many Pensacolians as "Jabo", and as "Richard" to friends in Miami. His cheerful disposition and competence gave reassurance to his many patients, family and friends, alike. He played varsity football at Pensacola High School and at the University of Florida. He was a drummer in the "Rainbow Five" in high school and organized "Jabo and the Jazzhounds" in college. He sang in the Florida glee club, was a ukulele player/singer and enjoyed a wide range of music. He loved sailing and horseback riding. After graduating from Emory University Medical School, Dr. Fleming trained at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Bellevue Hospital in New York City, and the surgery and malignant disease service at Jersey City Medical Center.

Some of the milestones in his distinguished career included: Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (Governor '68-'71); Fellow, Southeastern Surgical Congress: Founder and member, International College of Surgery for Digestive Diseases; member of the James Ewing Society for surgical oncology, the Florida Association of General Surgeons (President '60), the Dade County Florida Medical Association(President), Founding Member and first President of the Cancer Institute Association ('67-71) and Associate Editor, Journal of the F.M.A.

Marion, "Jabo", Richard, Doctor Fleming loved life, gave freely of himself, and was beloved by patients, friends and family.

He died in Miami July 1999, and is buried at St John's Historic Cemetery, 5 North Section 71.