John Rufus King

He was born in Wilmington, NC to the late Herbert and Helen King.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Doris Futchs, Herbert, Clarence and Clyde King.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Nancy Gerber; two children, John Jr. and Meredith Anne Meeks and three grandchildren, Ian, Ryan and Rachel King.

An accomplished, self-taught gentleman, John heeded the call to the ministry while still in his teens. He was often a guest speaker at churches in the area and revivals alike. After graduation from the University of Richmond in Virginia, he attended Union Theological Seminary, also in Richmond. He was never one to rest on his accomplishments, but worked tirelessly, always looking for new avenues to spread the word of God, whether through interfaith community service, teaching religion and philosophy in several universities or assisting hospitals and families as a medical ethicist. His many degrees include a B.A. from the University of Richmond, B.D, Th. M and D. Min from UTS and Medical Ethics scholar from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Beloved by all, just as he heeded God’s call to love and serve his fellow man, he has now heeded God’s call to come home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the local office of the Alzheimer’s Association, 219 Racine Drive, Suite B, Wilmington, NC 28403.