Donald Ray King

Donald Ray King

Pink Hill

CWO3 Donald Ray King, 83, of Pink Hill, passed to his heavenly home on Sunday, August 5, 2018, surrounded by his family at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville. Donald was born May 27, 1935, in Duplin County to Sam and Carrie King.

A Vietnam veteran, he served his country for 20 years. He served in the US Navy for four years and honorably retired from the US Army in 1974 after sixteen years of dutiful service. He received an associate’s degree of aviation from Wayne Community College and used his degree to pursue entrepreneurship as the owner of King Aviation.

After retiring, he served in the American Legion as a commander, served the town of Pink Hill as an elected town commissioner, and led the Pink Hill Aero club as its president. An avid restorer, Donald enjoyed restoring antique cars to pristine condition, repairing prop airplanes, and repairing antique sports cars.

He met the love of his life, “the girl next door”, Pauline Summerlin King, and enjoyed marriage for 62 years. This marriage produced two sons, three grandchildren, and years of happiness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Carrie King, brother, Silar King, and sister, Annie Jane Nethercutt. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Pauline and his children, Donald Ray King Jr. (Rebecca) of Fayetteville; William Rhodes King (Amy) of San Marcos, Texas.

“Granddaddy” was especially proud of his grandchildren; Victoria Ann King, Shelby King Hawkins (Weston), and Samuel Matthew King.

Funeral service will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at the Pink Hill Funeral Home with visitation following the service.  Interment will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 11 am at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill. The family is thankful for your thoughts and prayers.

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