Victor William Fleet
Victor William Fleet, Jr. of Goode, Virginia
August 18, 1949 - October 12, 2022
Vic Fleet, 73, of Goode, Virginia, died on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, in Lynchburg General Hospital after surviving cancer for three years. Vic kept a positive attitude during his cancer journey as he typically did during his cancer-free life. His future was certain to him because he knew he was going to heaven to be with his Creator and Savior.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, on August 18, 1949, Vic was a son of the late Alice Doughman Fleet (who painted Vic’s picture shown) and Victor William Fleet, Sr. He was a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and taught Earth Science and Biology at Rustburg High School for 32 years. After retiring from Campbell County Schools, Vic worked as a Naturalist for the Nature Zone of Lynchburg City’s Parks and Recreation department. There he developed Dinosaur Clubs for children and became “Captain Vic” because of his resemblance to TV’s Captain Kangaroo. After his time at the Nature Zone, Captain Vic volunteered at the Forest Library to start a new Dinosaur Club for children which he continued for over two years.
In addition to his passion for dinosaurs, reptiles, and amphibians, Vic also had a passion for collecting rocks, minerals, fossils, shells, books, tools, and trains. He built model trains from scratch and was meticulous about accuracy and realism in the details of his models. He applied those same perfections to building his log house which is still in-work after 18 years. Friends dreaded the few times Vic moved from one residence to another because of the heavy boxes of his collections they had to haul to either the highest floor of the house or to the basement. However, he was always prompt to repay them by offering his truck and his back when they needed him.
Vic was a long-time member of Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, taught Bible studies, helped manage the property, generously shared his wonderful cooking, and passed on his knowledge of nature to both children and adults. He was an avid student of reformed theology.
Vic is survived by his wife of 38 years, Rita Inge Fleet. He is also survived by his siblings
—Timothy Fleet of Winona, Minnesota and wife, Phyllis Tonne of Dayton, Ohio; Diana Sue F. Condon of Knoxville, Tennessee; and Tony Fleet and wife, Robin of Dayton, Ohio. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Stephen Fleet, Melissa F. Holland, Amanda DeLong, and Travis Bashore.
Burial will be held on Monday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the Inge Family Cemetery located at 304 Dabney Lane in Pamplin, Virginia. A service of witness to the resurrection will be officiated by Pastor Dave Roberts and Pastor Mark Rackley at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church, 21206 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg. Friends and loved ones are invited to attend one or both of these services to give thanks to God for Vic's life.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through The Walton Way, PO Box 2394, Appomattox, VA 24522.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com
