Barney Fleming has spent 45 years working at Lions Services.

Barney is a Charlotte native, a proud graduate of Garinger High School, and someone who has never let life slow him down. After losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa, he chose not to step back but to step forward. And he’s been moving forward ever since.

Over the years, Barney has done it all. From custodial work, packaging to production assembly to operating machines, he’s built a career defined by hard work, dedication, and pride. But ask his coworkers what stands out most, and they won’t start with his job titles, they’ll tell you about his smile.

Barney shows up each day with a big smile. It’s the kind of smile that lifts others up, the kind that reminds everyone around him that attitude matters. He doesn’t just do his job he makes the workplace better simply by being there.

Outside of work, Barney’s heart is just as full. He loves to fish, enjoying the calm and quiet of the water. And if you really want to see his competitive side, you’ll find it on the beep baseball field. For more than 40 years, Barney has played the sport he loves, earning Most Valuable Player honors multiple times across North Carolina. To him, it’s more than a game, it’s passion, teamwork, and joy all rolled into one.

And then there’s his red truck, one of his favorite things. He loves nothing more than hopping in with his family, heading out for a drive, and spending time with the people he cares about most.

Barney is more than an employee. He’s a teammate, a friend, and an advocate for others who are blind or visually impaired. He shows, through every action, that independence, purpose, and happiness are not defined by sight but by spirit.

If you ever meet Barney, you’ll understand right away.
Because chances are, before you even say a word…
he’s already made you smile.