Henry Clifton Fleming

September 29, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Henry Clifton Fleming, 56, passed away unexpectedly on September 29, 2024, in Blanch, NC. He formerly lived in Davidson, Charlotte and DeSoto, Texas.

Born on June 1, 1968, in Washington, NC, Henry is survived by his mother, Ruth Gwynn Shaw of Charlotte; his father, Clifton Earl Fleming of Knightdale; his brother John Colin Shaw and family of Chapel Hill; his son Emerson James Fleming and his daughter Carter Frances Fleming, both of Charlotte. He was predeceased by his stepfather of 45 years, Colin Stuart Shaw. He also leaves an extended family and many friends who celebrate his life. His little dog Bella and his beloved horses will forever miss his touch.

Henry began riding horses almost as soon as he could walk, perched on the saddle in front of his mother. He had his own horses from an early age – rough ponies, fancy Saddlebreds, sensitive Arabians. When he headed to New Mexico Military Institute to finish high school, he took his young Arabian with him.

NMMI was life changing. He learned leadership skills, and he learned to use them. He became Commander of the Mounted Cavalry during high school.  He returned for the junior college program and was selected as Regimental Commander ( 1989-90), the highest-ranking cadet. It may have given him even more of the swagger and confidence he brought to his life and work; it is unclear where he picked up his nonconformity.

Henry graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English in 1991. He was widely read, and fluent on many subjects. He earned a master’s degree in logistics at Georgia College in 1994, married and started a family.  He joined Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) as a management consultant, advancing to executive partner by age 34.

After obtaining sole custody of his children in 2012, he formed his own consultancy, Henry Fleming & Company, to gain control over his schedule. As his children aged and became more independent, Henry bought several Morgan horses and a small farm. At this time, he began to read the ancient dressage training methods of François Baucher. He studied original texts from the seventeenth century, following the Duke of Newcastle, and seeking a light-handed approach contrary to many contemporary dressage training principles.

In 2021, Henry purchased the 65 acres in Caswell County that became Harmony + Cross Farm. There he built a business, a training practice and a stable of developing and finished Morgan horses for sale. He developed bonds with his clients, as they learned the techniques he had taught himself. Henry did not just sell horses; he built lasting relationships.

Thanks to his ability to tell his story through writing and videos, Henry’s gift is a legacy. Through his children, his horses and his family and friends, Henry rides on.

“My best days are spent putting horses I have loved and trained into the lives of people who will treasure them as I have.”

—Henry Fleming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQL-hhqY1G0

https://harmonycross.com/henry-fleming/

Henry’s memorial service will be held 2:00 PM on Friday, October 18, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC.

Memorial gifts in Henry’s memory may be made to: Henry C. Fleming Endowed Scholarship at New Mexico Military Institute Foundation, Inc., 101 W. College Blvd., Roswell, NM 88201 (https://www.nmmi.edu/foundation/donate/) or Morgan SafeNet Foundation Inc., a rescue for Morgan horses, 770 Bryson Lane,  Midlothian, TX 76066 (https://www.morgansafenet.com).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

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  • Scotty Jackson

    Ruth, Henry's memorial service was a wonderful testament to the fine man he was. I would be honored to have known him. But I know his mother and understand why he was so loved. I know your grief....my Matthew went to God Nov. 3, 2014. Over time, you'll smile and remember the good times with Henry, although perhaps with a tear or two. Love you.

  • Lewis Stanford

    As hard as it is, I’m happy to accept the hurt in exchange for knowing Henry Fleming. It’s impossible to explain how far we rode together in such a relatively short time. I’ll not give that thing up easily. And the strange part is I caused him great insult (unintentionally), and yet like no one else, he found the character to roll with it and come back with nothing but generously offering his skills, knowledge and friendship. His only requirement was to give him my open mind and willingness to learn. There are so very few Henry Flemings in our world, riding his magnificently trained horses. And the beautiful thing is – there’s a piece of Henry in every one of his horses. I feel it when offered the opportunity to ride one (Amy Berry, Asher and Amigo). And don’t be fooled in thinking Henry was just a Baucherist. He was the great ecuyer, a Henry Flemingist.

  • Sanjeev Joshi

    Henry was an amazing boss and a real friend - we met at Accenture and worked together on and off for nearly a decade! Always curious, interested in the greater good, great sense of humor, generous, disciplined to get things done, and loyal to his friends. We worked hard and also had a lot of fun as a team. We stayed in touch intermittently over the years but every time we talked, we would pick up like there was no gap at all. Ride like the wind Henry Fleming, wherever you are and the universe takes you! You will be missed greatly. RIP.

    Condolences to the family. It is an immeasurable loss, and my prayers are with all of you.

  • Rob Johnson

    Henry I regret not having an opportunity to meet you personal but became acquainted with your earthly journey through your parents. Based upon such, I greatly admired your big heart and strong spirit. As the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, I especially admired your stewardship of and caring ways for the environments and living creatures here on earth. In particular those that may have been a bit rough or maybe less cared for, you kindly, gently, and confidentily transformed them onto a positive pathway. By doing so you undoubtedly lovingly touched a multitude of environs, earthly creatures, and human souls. Well done faithful servant may you rest In peace forever more and may treasured memories of you bring comfort and spontaneous moments of joy to your family and friends.

  • Doug Fleming

    I want to express my sincere condolences to my cousin Cliff Fleming and Ruth Shaw, parents of Henry. It’s always extremely difficult when a child, even adult age, passes before his parents. May your memories of Henry sustain you through this difficult time and your grandchildren provide solace and hope.

  • Robert Fletcher Salvia, Sr.

    Dearest Ruth, I have struggled mightily, but utterly failed, to find words to begin to express the depth and breadth of the pain that I share with you in this unthinkable time of loss.


    I turned to literature, seeking a voice commensurate with my tears; I learned that it is a universal truth that love and grief are inseparable in the human condition.

    As Helen Keller observed, "We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world -- the company of those who have known suffering. "

    I deeply regret my absence, and wholeheartedly hope and, yes, pray that your loving friends and faith will help sustain you, among we bereaved.

    Love, Robert

  • Will Whitehead

    Ruth, Henry worked for me at GTE, before going to Accenture. We became fast friends. Henry was truly unique and he will be missed. We could go a year or two without talking to one another and then pick up right where we left off. I have a picture of him holding my first born, Audrey, who now trains quarter horses. He made a lasting impression on me and my family.

  • Gwyn Coghill

    Ruth, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Laura Meyer Wellman

    Dear Ruth,

    So incredibly sad to hear of your loss… Henry came across in the words of his passing as such a strong, vibrant and caring individual, and our hearts go out to you and your wonderful family at this very tough time.

    Thinking of you and sending our love and deepest sympathies,

    Laura and Ward

  • Jewelle Jackson Boone

    Cliff and Ruth, I am so sad to see that you have lost your son. I lost my first born five years ago to a massive heart attack. We should never lose a child. Parents are supposed to go first. As a teenager I remember hearing cliff's sports car coming down my street when he was going home after his date with you Ruth. From what I've read about Henry I know you both raised a fine young man. My heart goes out to you both and to Henry's children. Jewelle Jackson Boone Richardson

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