Final Journey Leads Through Downtown Atwood

The late Bill Fleming, Atwood Village President, leader in his church (First Baptist Church of Atwood), life-long resident and lover of his community, took his last ride through the downtown area on Sunday, June 28 as the procession proceeded to the Mackville Cemetery for his final resting place.

Special Meeting Held June 25

By Doris Elmore
Staff Writer

The late Bill Fleming, Atwood Village President, leader in his church (First Baptist Church of Atwood), life-long resident and lover of his community, took his last ride through the downtown area on Sunday, June 28 as the procession proceeded to the Mackville Cemetery for his final resting place. Bill passed away on June 18 in Indianapolis, IN after a brief illness.

Bill has been active in the Atwood community since he was very young, beginning with singing at his church, and his efforts have increased over the years. Since becoming Village President, Bill’s dream was to make his hometown an inviting place to live and to continue with beautification projects.

The procession traveled through the downtown area for a last ride passing under the 250th banner he was so proud of, light poles adorned in red, white and blue, and other celebratory 250th decorations.

The procession was led by the Atwood Police Department and other area police departments, emergency trucks and personnel. The Atwood Fire Department had their giant American flag on display to honor a fallen leader of our community.

SPECIAL MEETING:

A special meeting of the Atwood Village board was held on Thursday, June 25 to appoint a new acting village president. Scott Harris, current village president pro tem led the meeting. Trustee Diane Eagan read scripture and gave a prayer in memory of former Village President Bill Fleming. This was a very solemn meeting with everyone present trying to adapt to a world without Bill.

Scott and Allen Kilber read a letter sent to the board by David Fleming on behalf of the Fleming family. This was a very touching letter in which he thanked the board members and employees for their cooperation working with his father and how much Bill enjoyed his job as president.

Scott Harris then read the following letter: “Bill wasn’t just our mayor—he was the heart of this village. He gave his time, his energy, and his passion, his vision to Atwood in ways that most people will never fully know. The downtown beautification project, the improvements to our park, the growth we’ve seen in our community. That is his love for this place made visible. No one can replace him. I am not here to fill his shoes—I don’t think anyone could. What I am here to do is carry his work forward, with the same dedication and care that he poured into it every single day.”

He continued, “I am honored—and humbled—to step into the role of Mayor, but I want this board to know: I cannot do this alone. I can’t dedicate the countless hours Bill did. I will need the help of everyone. The board, the employees, the community and various volunteer groups. I will see through the goals Bill set for our village—the continued beautification of our downtown, the development of our park, and the vision for growth that he worked so hard to build. I will lead with transparency, bringing decisions to this board with honesty and respect. I will listen—to you, to our residents, and to the voices that often go unheard.”

Scott concluded his letter by saying, “Atwood is a special place. Bill knew that. He dedicated himself to making sure others knew it too. I intend to carry that torch. Thank you for your trust. I will not take it lightly. Let’s do right by Bill—and by the people of Atwood.”

Scott was then appointed as the new Acting Village President and Diane Eagan was appointed new Village President Pro Tem. She was also authorized as a new bank signatory. Scott asked board members to review the projects and their thoughts on how to proceed.

Shari Fleming asked to address the board. She thanked the board and all employees for supporting Bill and his dream. They all worked together for the betterment of Atwood. Shari said Bill has always loved Atwood and that he was “Living the Dream” being in the position to work with others for the community. She remarked about how Bill would come home after board meetings praising the board members for their support. She also thanked them for all of their support to her since Bill’s passing.

Village Attorney Kenny Crossman spoke to the board telling them he feels this is the best group of people (board) to work with and how dedicated Bill and the board are to the community. He added that they are now missing a vital piece, but he knows they will carry on with the work Bill has put in place.

The next meeting of the Village Board will be on Monday, July 13 at 6 p.m. at the Atwood Village Hall.