William Oka King Jr

Extraordinary Man, Extraordinary Life. One of the oldest of the “Old Timey Preachers” went to talk and walk with Jesus on June 27, 2012 at the ripe old age of 93. He was called into the ministry in the 50’s and went on to preach for more than 58 years in North and South Carolina. He earned his Associate Degree from Fruitland Bible Institute. Just last week, one of his nurses asked him when he last preached; he said, “Still am”. He went to India twice on missionary missions, preaching, teaching and through his efforts, a dining hall was built at an orphanage. He was humbled by those experiences and always talked about returning.

He liked to live life backwards. He was known for beginning hobbies, sports or life enrichments years after the normal time. Downhill skiing at 59; Senior Olympic racing in his 50's; furniture maker when he was in his 60's and piano and organ lessons after he turned 80. Papaw was a happy person and never met a stranger. He had a sense of humor and had the best time when he could see people’s reactions to situations, pull pranks on unsuspecting folks and to have fun. His later years were wracked with pain but he continued on and said you had to keep moving. Papaw was especially proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He wanted to take an airplane ride with Kaitlyn and was sad when he couldn’t. He loved all things beautiful and we loved him all there is because he was beautiful.

William “Bill” was born on October 9, 1918 in Asheville, Buncombe Co, NC to the late William Oka “Kay” King, Sr. and Elzoria Americas “Elsie” Pierson King. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Edith Frances Sellers King who passed away in 2007; daughter, Betty Frances King; sisters, Rita Estella King who died as an infant and Aurie Elizabeth King Brose.

Papaw is survived by his children, Martha Ann Kent and husband, Wilson of Hot Springs NC, William Oka “Bill” King, III and wife, Mary of State Road, NC and Delores G.”Dee” Ray and husband, Rick of Hilton Head, SC; grandchildren, Gail Ehrler, and husband, Chuck, Jeffrey Kent and wife, Kelly, Stephen King, Kelly Kent Taylor, Michael King and wife, Vickie, Ashley Bishop, Melisa Kent LaVergne, William Douglas “Bill” Ray and wife, Amelia, Deanna Melanie Ray, and Krista Michelle Ray; Great Grandchildren, Kaitlyn Kent, Cori LaVergne, Christian Taylor, Sophia LaVergne, Caden Taylor, Alex King, Anna King, Grant Bishop, Sunni Bishop, Jessica E. Compas and husband, Kevin, Ellana Ehrler, and Carly Ehrler; sister-in-law, Betty Clark Sellers.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm Sunday, July 1st, at Forest Lawn West Chapel with Reverend David Jones officiating. Interment will follow the service in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 until 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, North Carolina 28658. The family would like to thank all the staff of Wexford House in Denver for taking such wonderful care of him. And a very special thank you to Gail Eppley who has always been a true friend and helper to us all. She spent hours just talking and listening to Papaw.

Arrangements are in the care of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208. On-line condolences may be made to www.forestlawnwest.com.