James L. and Linda G. King

A 70-year Journey of commitment and faith

Our loving mother and father, Linda Gladden King, 86, and Rev. James (Jim) Leroy King, 89, passed away on Thursday August 29, 2024 and Sunday September 1, 2024. Linda and Jim were affectionally known throughout the community and our family as “Maw Maw” and “Paw Paw”.

Mom was born on November 21, 1937. She was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle “Sunny” Kelly and Luther Gladden and her brother-in-law, Dale Joyner. Mom is survived by her siblings, Hal Sumpter (Patty), Jackie Hoffmeister (Mel), Janice Joyner, Jane Miller (Bob), and Jill Blackwelder (Jerry).

Dad was born on May 31, 1935. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lavada and Samuel King, and his siblings, Frances Lambert (Ray),

Jack King (Madeline), Lonnie King (Frannie), Sam King (Barbara), Gene King and Bob King. He is survived by his brother Charlie King (Nancy).

Mom and Dad are survived by their two children, Mike King (Leigh Ann) and Marian Dellinger; their grandchildren, Kristen Forehand (Thomas), Zack Kiser (Christina), Clay Kiser (Michaelia), Charlie King (Ashley), Caroline Irvin (Benjamin), Jacob Dellinger (Ameenah); their great grandchildren, Sofia Irvin, Clive King, Jude King, Macklin Kiser, Rhea King, Quade Kiser and 3 more on the way. They are preceded in death by their son-in-law, Tim Dellinger.

Mom graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in 1955. She worked in banking for over 35 years and was a Branch Manager for BB&T when she retired.

After retirement, Mom enjoyed antiquing so much she opened an antique shop in Mount Holly called, “The Circle of Time”. She spent many hours searching for the right piece, either for herself, the shop or her friends. Mom was the wedding planner and decorator for many family members and friends. She also loved working in her flower gardens and reading.

Dad received his GED when he was 50 years old. He was a truck driver for many years, and worked part-time as a realtor before retiring from Nisbet Oil Co, where he was a warehouse manager. Dad was called into the ministry at age 54. He was an associate pastor at Second Baptist Church in Mount Holly NC and served as interim pastor at multiple local churches. In addition to serving the church, Dad enjoyed “tinkering”, he was Mr. Fix It to many. He loved restoring old tractors and building bird houses in his shop. Dad was also supportive of all mom’s endeavors. Mom bought antiques; Dad restored them. Mom coordinated weddings; Dad performed them.

Mom and Dad eloped to York, SC on June 19, 1954, at the ages of 16 and 19. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year at a reception with close family and friends. Due to their love of and obedience to Jesus Christ, they were able to weather the storms of a life-long relationship. They truly were living examples of Christ’s love, not only to their children but to their grandchildren and great grandchildren and all who knew them. They loved serving the Lord together through their local church, as Sunday School teachers, a deacon (Dad), committees and in many other ways.

During these 70 years, Mom and Dad were rarely apart. They moved into Stanley Total Living Center together, were in the same room together and died within a few days of each other. What an amazing blessing from God!

A special thank you to Stanley Total Living Center in Stanley NC and Hospice of Lincolnton NC, for providing the utmost care for our parents. Our family can’t thank the staff enough for their tender loving care.

Mom and Dad’s Homecoming Celebration service will be held as follows:

Date: Monday September 9, 2024

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Grace Baptist Church, 300 Westland Farm Road, Mt. Holly NC 28120.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Link to live stream:

https://boxcast.tv/view/jim-and-linda-king-celebration-of-life-eon1zli06cjoiuevxkdh?_gl=1*1vxet79*_gcl_au*MTA4MjQ0MjIyOC4xNzIzMzk3NzUz*_ga*MTYzMzQxMzI3Ni4xNzIzMzk3NzUz*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTcyNTQ2MTM1Mi42LjEuMTcyNTQ2MTQ1MS4wLjAuMA