I had the pleasure of working for Tom for many years,  He hired me at the NC Department of Public Instruction just after my husband and I moved to Raleigh following our marriage in 1969.  He was such a great mentor and instilled in me the work values I have to this day,  Give your best effort to your employer every day, remember that you are providing a service to the public schools employees, and to live up to your word.  I will always respect those lessons, and the man who "practiced what he preached".  We also became really good friends with he and Phyllis and enjoyed many good times with them over the years.  What a good man he was.  I think of him so often and miss him greatly.  He was truly a man of service and conviction.  Rest well good friend and I will see you again one day.

Uncle Thomas, 
As we approach the date of your passing four years ago I have to smile knowing that you and Mother had the sweetest reunion on February 10th in Heaven. As the song says, Oh what a day that will be ! I love you both so much and all our family and friends that have gone before us. We will see you all again one sweet day. 
Love, Martha Poole Joyner
             Niece

Two years gone by but never forgotten Uncle Thomas! I love  you and miss you every day that goes by. Until we meet again… your niece
Martha Poole Joyner

Uncle Thomas,  It is so hard to believe you have been gone almost a year now. My heart still aches. You were a wonderful man, Uncle, neighbor, and friend.  I hope you know how much you were loved. We miss you so much but know Heaven is your home now and we will join you one day. Until we see you again.....

Thomas C. King was one of the most important people in my life and the lives  of many other young teenagers at Wake Forest High School, where he served as teacher, coach, and assistant principal.
His person-to-person interactions with us on a daily basis, helped each of us with character development.  To this day,  all these former students have many personal stories of how this beloved strong but gentle
man helped them with not only academic or athletic challenges but also with daily personal interactions as well as setting lifetime goals.
For me personally, "Mr. King" and his wonderful young wife Phyllis, after hearing that I had never had pizza,  got permission from my father, and  then took me to a pizza parlor in Raleigh. Wow! What an experience.  Other teenagers from WFHS could tell similar stories.
When some of  my fellow students and I  caused mischief fo beginning teachers, Mr. King (as assistant principal) quickly stopped us in our tracks and  put us instead on the right path  with divergent positive activities; he was about character development.  
As teenagers we quite often went to Mr. King,  and also  Phyllis, instead of our parents,  with our adolescent questions. . Both were  wonderful listeners,  seemed to find time for us when we really needed it, and provided gentle guidance. Some of us at WFHS were fortunate  to have the Kings in our lives for all four years of our high school experience.  
After graduating and while attending college, the Kings still remained in my life,  calling and checking to see if I had any needs. They visited me on campus and encouraged me all along the way to graduation,  to my wedding, during my teaching, and kept in touch through my masters degree, during other phases of my teaching career.  One of the highlights of my life was when Tom King, this beloved mentor,  attended my doctoral graduation! As busy as he was,  he 
sent me messages throughout my career. I last saw him at a WFHS reunion.   I will never forget him

 

Mr. King was a true gentleman. He was funny and enjoyed good conversation. He gave me advice, a warm hug, a considered opinion, support, a glass of wine (or some concoction), a tasty bite to eat (that he made), shared his knowledge, shared his time. He was a wonderful neighbor, father-figure, role model. He loved sports, automobiles, animals (especially horse racing and the birds he fed), helping. You knew you had a friend in him. I will miss him terribly. Our community has lost a wonderful gentleman. I’m sure you’re in heaven watching out for Mrs. King and the rest of us-that is who you are.

During a garden event, he was helpful and informative. I knew he has a lovely person and excellent teacher and very smart man. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

My  TCK  Memories
“Tom Cat” was one of a very limited number of friends who had such a positive influence on my life, and I am so extremely thankful for his contributions!
Our relationship began in 1969 when I started my career at the NC State Auditor’s Office and brought my new bride to Raleigh. While I was off on the audit road, Jenny searched for a job and interviewed at the State Board of Education.  I’m certain that Tom hired her based upon his good judgement of her outstanding qualifications and outgoing personality, but just maybe our shared Elon alumni status and love of basketball might have had some minor influence?
Over the ensuring years our friendship grew as he and Phyllis shared their pool parties, Christmas Eve dinners and holiday decoration viewings. A very special remembrance is of our exchanging of house and pet setting duties during the other’s absences. (The only lie that I can ever remember Tom telling is that our beloved Westie “Mac” never bit him.  The sad truth of the fact is that the Macdog bit everybody!) I also fondly remember his guidance in constructing our home and the frequent taxi rides to RDU.
Tom was also instrumental in expediting so many of our treasured travel adventures.: Our very first trip to Las Vegas and the five decades of unforgettable Preakness escapades  -  plus the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and Breeders’ Cup horse races resulted mainly from his efforts. Tom often jokingly referred to himself as a “professional driver”, but I can recall at least three road trips that his skills avoided a major accident and  he always got us safely to our destinations. 
Along with Tom, Sam Newman, Horace Liles, and I formed a real estate investment partnership named “Preakness Properties”. While it didn’t make us rich, it was a great learning experience.
As we aged, Tom would often call up or stop by to discuss mutual items of interest like computer problems, insurance questions, or cars, and even moreover, just to check on our well being

I had the privilege of growing up as a neighbor to Mr. King.  He always treated us like family, as he did for all the neighbors, adults and children alike.  The Kings gave me one of my first jobs doing yard work as a young boy, graciously opened their home for many holidays and special occasions, including my wedding, as well as when grief touched our family, and they have remained close for over 40 years.  My sadness at his passing is softened by the knowledge that he lived a happy life, to the fullest right up to his last day, as he deserved.  Please accept my deepest sympathies, Mrs. King.

I was fortunate to serve,on the NORth CArolina Stat Board of Community Colleges with TOm.  Tom was intelligent, a supportive Board member, and always was very positive in his decisions .  I am so sorry to hear,of,our,loss.

I worked at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford while Mr. King was at Department of Community Colleges.....I always was glad to call him my friend...he was a great leader......always willing to help anyone....

“If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck.”  RIP our friend.

Dear Phyllis, 
We were both so sad and stunned to hear the news about Tom.  Dick and I enjoyed seeing him greeting guests to your lovely yard, every time it was part of the Garden Tour.  Tom was truly one of a kind. Please know that we are mourning his loss with you.  
Lorraine and Dick

Tom had retired as CFO of the Community College System and had been appointed to the NC Board of Community Colleges when I was hired as President.  He taught me all I needed to know about community colleges and was the mentor of his replacement, Kennon Briggs.  Kennon and I worked closely with Tom through our joint years of service.  Tom was a great man and key to the growth and success of community colleges!

RIP Uncle Thomas 💔 My best and favorite memories were seeing Uncle Thomas and Aunt Phyllis at Christmas. Always looked forward to them coming and helping unload all the special gifts they brought us out of the huge trunk of the car they had. So many child hood memories and fun times. Uncle Thomas will be missed by so many. Such a great and loving man. Much Love ❤️ to my Aunt Phyllis. 

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. King for many years at Leith BMW. He was a special person and we loved talking about gardening and ACC sports. He will be sorely missed. 

I haven't seen Thomas in a long time, but loved him. I have told many times about the time I visited  Phyllis and Thomas when they lived in Garner.  Being single and young, I had not paid attention that I needed gas to drive to Raleigh. He had filled his car that Sunday afternoon, so he syfered some gas from his car to mine. (1969 or so) He and Mrs. Phyllis did lots of kind things for me. Rest in Peace Thomas. Mrs.  Phyllis, I will see you soon. Hugs and love.

I met Tom  through driving at Leith BMW.  In the past eight years I learned more about this state fromTom then this yankee thought he ever would.  Tom and I would have our discussions about college basketball each season.  He was a supporter of the ACC while I am a Big Ten supporter.   I will miss his friendship and the free education.

Dear Phyllis, 
I have very fond memories of Mr. King.  Every year he came to the Springdale Estates Thanksgiving food drive with two huge turkeys and a big smile on his face. He was so thankful for what we were doing.  He also had that wonderful smile when he greeted us at the neighborhood garden tour of his yard. He took no credit for the beautiful garden it was all Phyllis' doing.  He was such a lovely man and I will miss him. I am so sorry for your loss.

Tom was a fine person. And yes he was a great “ hugger”. I will miss his hugs. Phil and I were both saddened to hear the news of Toms passing. I was so lucky to have gotten a hug not too long ago from him. Phyllis please know that we love you and are praying for you during this time. May God be with you and wrap his loving arms around you. Let us know if there is anything that we can do for you. With much love,
Rose and Phil Langley 

Just want you to know that I am thinking about you.  


I had the distinct pleasure and honor of knowing Mr. King as one of the SECU Board of Directors and as a friend. He would always greet you with a big smile.  He will be certainly missed. 
To the Family, continue to look up for your strength and guidance during this difficult time. 

I had the pleasure of working with Tom for several years on the SECU Board of Directors, and the SECU Foundation.  Tom was a very serious thinker,  suggesting programs that have greatly benefited the citizens of this state.
I am sure he will be greatly missed by everyone who had an opportunity to work with him.

OBITUARY

Thomas C. King Jr.

November 6, 1934 – March 14, 2020

Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

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Private Family Graveside Service with a Celebration Honoring Tom's Life at Tabernacle Baptist Church at a later time