Willie J. King

Willie Johnson King
Norlina
Willie Johnson King, 101, went to join his Heavenly Father on June 27, 2012. "He fought a good fight, He finished his course, He kept the faith" Timothy 4:7.
Willie was a Warren County, NC native born to the late Johnathan E. And Mary Elizabeth Weldon King. He was a lifelong member of Jerusalem United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School, served as Lay Reader and was active on many church committees including Trustee Committee where he served as Chairman and he was also an usher for more than forty years.
In 1929, Willie enlisted in the US National Guard. He began active service in October 1942 with the US Army, Company B, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. During WWII, he served as a Sergeant and Squad Leader until wounded on July 17, 1944 in France near St. Lo during the Normandy Campaign. He was awarded the Purple Heart, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with ribbon and bronze star, American Defense Service Medal and ribbon, American Campaign Medal and ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal and ribbon. Willie also received the Expert Infantryman Badge and Combat Infantry Badge. He was a long-time member of the VFW and until his death was the oldest member of the Norlina VFW the and oldest Warren County survivor of World War II.
He loved his country, church and his family and friends. He was a master gardener and especially enjoyed sharing his bountiful vegetables with others. After being diagnosed with lung cancer at age 100, Willie opted out of any treatment that would take him away from tending to his wife, Rachel, who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease. He was a devoted husband and most loving caretaker to Rachel even though she was unable to understand and appreciate his great devotion to her. What an example he set for all of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, July 2nd at Jerusalem United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Willie was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 79 years, Rachel Adams King; his daughter, Drusilla King Richardson and husband, Clayton, of Whitakers; granddaughter, Terri Richardson Young and husband, Michael, of Cary; twin great-grandchildren, Rachel Alexandra Young and Tyler Richardson Young of Cary; and many nieces, nephews and special friends.
Flowers are acceptable or memorials may be made to Jerusalem United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Community Home Care and Hospice in Rocky Mount, NC or to a charity of one's choice.
A very special thanks to the staff of Brekenridge Retirement Home and Community Home Care and Hospice for their exceptional care of our loved one. No one could ask for more loving, caring and supportive assistance. We feel blessed to have had them as part of our family.
The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 PM Sunday, July 1st at Blaylock Funeral Home in Warrenton, online condolences may be made at www.blaylockfh.com