Johnny King

William Johnston “Johnny” King, Jr., of Wilson, died September 6, after a long decline.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Catherine Lane King; son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, William Johnston King III, Caroline Thutt King and Madeline Grace King of Pittsboro; daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Ellen King Minnick, Bolton John Minnick and William John Minnick of Raleigh; and nephew, wife and great-nephews William Pemberton Hinson IV, Dr. Sara Levy, Eli Michael Hinson and Jacob Lane Hinson of Atlanta. Also, his beloved sister-in-law Elizabeth Lane Fuller and husband, John George Geitner Fuller of Hickory; and nephews, John George Geitner Fuller, Jr. of Charlotte and Robert Lane Manley Fuller of New York City.

A life-long Wilsonian, he attended Woodberry Forest School in Orange, VA and Rollins College in Winter Park Florida and served in the US Army. Upon returning to Wilson, he began his 40-year career selling life and health insurance for various companies. He was committed to providing his customers the best coverage for their needs.

Johnny volunteered with a number of organizations over the years such as the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, the Crisis Center, the Mental Health Association, Boy Scouts and the Wilson Jaycees. He was an avid sports fan. He was a lifelong golfer and played a lot of tennis. Watching Carolina football in the fall was one of his loves. He also enjoyed attending and supporting Johnston, Ellen, and William at their sports events when they were children. Later in life, he would go to Raleigh to watch his grandson Bill play basketball and baseball.

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church enriched and sustained him throughout his life. He was baptized and confirmed there, and over the years he served as an acolyte, youth group leader (where he met his future wife), Sunday School teacher, member of the vestry, member of a search committee for a new priest and served on numerous committees. Family members remarked that if the church doors were open, Johnny King was there (usually sitting in the same place in the back of the left side of the church).

His first love was his family, and he was happiest at family gatherings spoiling his grandchildren and sharing love with them.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 10, 3:00 pm, at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church followed by a reception at the Church. The family will also receive friends at 4511 St. Andrews Dr N at other times.

The family will be eternally grateful to the staff at the Cottage at Spring Arbor for their wonderful care of Johnny and the loving kindnesses they showed the family. They are the angels among us.

Memorials can be made to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 1527, Wilson, NC 27894 or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com