Funeral Service for Claude Thomas “Tommy” King, 73, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at OD Church of the Lost and Found with burial to follow in Princeville Cemetery. The family will greet friends Friday, December 18, 2020 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566.
Tommy passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Regency Hospital in Florence, SC. Born in Burlington, NC, he was a son of the late Vernon Cecil King, Sr. and Catherine Baker King. He was the husband of Debrorah “Dee” King.
Tommy was the Founder and Vice President of Riverview Narrow Fabrics, Burlington, having received a patent on drawstring elastics for pajamas and bathing suits. A racing enthusiast and family man, Tommy was a proud supporter of his sons as they raced their own cars during their teenage years. He became a NASCAR official at several motor speedways.
In 1997, Tommy relocated to South Carolina, making his home in North Myrtle Beach. He began a second career in heating and air with Jake's Heating and Cooling, eventually purchasing the business. Although sunning and sitting on the beach wasn’t his true forte, he enjoyed fishing, boating and scuba diving. He was a member of the APA where he played pool for over 25 years. Tommy was adventurous and enjoyed the beauty of the earth and the United States. He traveled twice across the country on his motorcycle as well as in his RV. He and Dee enjoyed the mountains and spent much time at their mountain home.
An active member of The Ocean Drive Church of the Lost and Found, Tommy was a Godly man. He shared the Lord with his actions and touched many throughout his life. He and Dee were planning a third trip to Israel to visit the Holy Land.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Dee are his children, Tony King (wife, Angela), Todd King (wife, Millie), Josette Montgomery (husband, Kyle); grandchildren, Nicole Rogers, Natalie Forster, Sydney Jones, Skylar James; and great-grandson, Kain Shelley. Tommy is also survived by his brother, Steve King (wife, Denise); sisters, Judy Jordan (husband, Rodney “Butch”), Kaye King; and brother-in-law, Harold Kimball. He was preceded in death by his brother, Vernon C. “Buster” King, Jr. and sisters, Vicky Kimball and Nancy Haizlip.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the OD Church of the Lost and Found.
