William King Obituary
He is survived by Ruth Moseley King, his wife of 53 years; his son, William E. King Jr. and his wife Ronan and their children, Will and Moseley; his daughter, Nell King Bieger and her husband Dan and their children, Daniel and David; and his sister, Betty King Irvine and her husband Walter and their children, Walter Jr. and Beth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert D. and Ida Brown King, and his brother, Albert D. King Jr.
After graduation from Tennessee High School in 1945, Mr. King honorably served in the U.S. Navy before attending Davidson College, and Washington and Lee University. He began his business career at the E.W. King Co., then owned and operated Bill King Clothiers in Downtown Bristol before co-founding Charter Data Systems, a national forerunner in utilizing computer technology in retail management and consulting. As a partner in Ruth King Antiques and owner of Better Services Inc., he developed an expertise in importing goods from England, including Qwicksilver and Big Tom, for marketing throughout the United States and many foreign countries.
A gentleman in every sense of the word, Bill King will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of Bristol, his "no problem" positive attitude, his generous spirit and his kindness to all.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made for the restoration of his grandparent's home, the E.W. King House, c/o The Bristol Historical Association, P.O. Box 204, Bristol, TN 37621; or to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1376, Bristol, VA 24203.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Bristol Virginia, with the Rev. Wendie Jekabsons officiating. The family will receive friends in the church parish hall after the service and private burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting www.oakley-cook.com or faxed to (423) 764-3770.
Mr. King and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn.; (423) 764-7123.
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Tom Britt
November 2, 2007
Representing Qwicksilver in New York
since 1999 gave me the opportunity
to interact with Bill on many occasions. Today 11/2, I telephoned Better Services, and was advised of his unfortunate sudden passing.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs King and extended family.
Mark & Cheryl Wedel
October 28, 2007
Thinking of you and your family in your time of loss.
Jeff and Tammy Williams
October 27, 2007
To Ruth King, May God be with you and your family at this time. Bill was a very kind and wonderful person. He will always be remembered. Take care. Jeff and Tammy Williams
Wallace & Carolyn Coffey
October 27, 2007
Dear Ruth, William, Ronan and family,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill. His contributions to Bristol and its good people have been very special. All of us will remember his warm smile and friendship. His decades of service as a merchant and citizen are remarkable. Downtown will never be the same.
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Donnie Cox
October 26, 2007
Dear King Family,
We are very sad to hear about Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was always very nice to me and my family and I will remember well the times we had with you in the past. Take care,
Teresa McDaniel Gilmore
October 26, 2007
Dear William and Ronan,
Truly I was sorry to hear of the loss of your father/father-in-law. I didn't know him, but I do know what a fine son he had. It is truly a reflection of the person I'm sure he was. You both have my sincere sympathy and prayers. I can tell you from personal experience that during this time of bereavement that only God can heal the hurt that comes with death--so trust Him completely. Ask him to wrap you in His love like a comforter on a cold winter's night and allow Him to touch you with His miracle working hands. He is able and willing to restore you during your darkest hours. He promised never to leave nor forsaken us. Take Him at his word and trust Him. I love you always and I'm here anyway I can be of help.
Randy and Harriet Miller
October 26, 2007
We were shocked and so saddened to learn of the loss of Mr. King. He was such a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Mike & Chantal Sexton
October 26, 2007
Mrs. King, William, Ronan, Nell, Dan and families,
Words cannot help ease the pain at this time. As I fondly remember Mr. King standing with my son on the dock discussing fishing and gosh knows what else, a smile comes across my face...as happens with most everyone that had the opportunity to know such a great man.
Our thoughts are with you.
Betty Parks
October 26, 2007
Ruth, Nell, William and Families,
I wish I could be there in person to offer my support. I remember how supportive you all were when Mother died and I wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jackie & Bill Dennison
October 25, 2007
To the King family: Our sincerest sympathies in the loss of Mr. King. He was a wonderful man and his presence in the community will be missed.
Ed & Susie Yates
October 25, 2007
Ruth, Nell, William and Families...
Susie and I have just returned to the Tri-Cities and heard today of this sad news. Bill was truly our regions's "Ambassador to the World" and a mentor to those of us doing business in our community. He set the standard for courtesy and grace. Our memory will always be of Bill's wide smile and warm countenance. We share in your loss.
Deano Keen
October 25, 2007
Bill King, Sr. represented his family well during his whole life.
A man well respected in this whole community...And, that respect is reflected in his children's success, and popularity.
Well done, Bill!
A wonderful Father!
Deano
Kerri Glover
October 25, 2007
Dear Mrs. King, Nell, William, Ronan and Family:
I was so sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I hope you'll be comforted by your memories and the love sent your way from near and far. Mr. King truly was one of the people who made Bristol a special place.
Kerri Glover
Donna Morton
October 25, 2007
Dear Nell--
It wasn't quite 2 months ago that we were at our THS class reunion and discussing our families--you spoke so lovingly of your dad to Leeza and me.
I know this is a hard loss, and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna (Gentry) Morton
SHERRY DEEL
October 25, 2007
MOSLEY AND FAMILY:
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. MANY HUGS FROM "THE DEEL FAMILY".
Ed and Gerry Patnesky
October 25, 2007
Dearest Ruth, William, Ronan and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We think of you often since we moved from Bristol and always have our wonderful memories of "Ruth King Antiques". our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Ed and Gerry Patnesky
Mike Yaniero
October 25, 2007
Dear Ruth,
During my time with Bristol Police, one of my fondest memories is that of Bill with his friendly smile. I could always count on him for an uplifting comment. His love for downtown Bristol and the community will be missed. Bill was a true gentleman.
Sean Farmer
October 25, 2007
Dear Ruth,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bill was an example to us all and I am so proud to be able to say that I knew him.
Freddie Gallagher
October 25, 2007
Dear Ruth and Family:
As you know Bill King was Best Man in Doris' and my wedding over 43 years ago and as you will remember you graciously hosted our rehearsal dinner.
The Bill King Family has always been special to us.
Bill was not only the Best Man at my wedding, he was my mentor in life.
May God Bless this special family at this time.
Freddie Gallagher, Jr.
October 25, 2007
Mrs. King And Family,
I am just shocked by reading of Mr. Bill King's passing!!! I didn't know that he had been sick or anything (of course one doesn't have to be sick before God calls one home, just ready, and I know that he was whenever our Saviour was ready for him).
Not that I get down town that often anymore but when I do and don't see Mr. King (because back in the "good old days" when downtown was the best place to shop) I would miss seeing him because he was always a warm, friendly person. I have never seen him act like he was better than someone else or that his head was up in the air someplace. I have known him since the middle 60's when I use to shop some at his store , Bill King Clothier's and he was always so warm and friendly. I think that warm, friendly personality is just part of the King family and I say King as in The H. P. King Family and The E. W. King Family for they (speaking of the business man that ran the company's) all were very outgoing.
I did't know until today that Mr. King was a grandson of The E. W. King Co.; however, I did learn from Ronan a month or so ago that your family is kin to The H. P. King Co. family which one could not had worked for a better family. Don, Frazier, Mac, Henry, Carl couldn't be beat so your Mr. King had good roll models and he did a wonderful job of following them.
I am also shocked to be reading of Mr. King's age, (80)! He certainly didn't look it or act it or get around like an 80 year old person. When you would see him he was always full of energy and walking at a fast pace. Like I said, I would miss seeing him when I did get down town and our paths wouldn't cross so he will certainly be missed much more now for he was one of a very few great business people left downtown that was part of mine generation of growing up and people that brought more sunshine to your day just by seeing, passing and speaking to them or them to you. Your daughter-in-law (Ronan) is like that. I use to think she was your daughter until I found out she was your daughter-in-law.
May God bless each of you as you travel this path of sorrow for I know that your heart will be heavy but knowing that there is a "Wedding Celebration" going on in heaven now for another one of God's angle has been called home will help you get thru it because some great day you'll be reunited again.
I am glad that my life path has crossed the path of Mr. Bill King even if it was just in a small way.
Delores Roark Still
Jeff Ault
October 25, 2007
Dear Ruth, William, Nell and Families,
I was terribly saddened and deeply affected by the news of Bills passing. Bill King had the most positive influence on me than any other person in my life. Bill King was simply the best man I have ever known. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Carol & Alex Gatewood
October 25, 2007
We were saddened by the news of Bill's death. We have been friends and associated in business for many years. He will be missed. In Sympathy,
Judy Proctor
October 25, 2007
Ruth and family, what a fine man Bill was. So many of us have great memories of our high school years working for him and shopping in his store. He will be missed. With love, Judy Whittaker Proctor
Mary Capers Bledsoe
October 25, 2007
Mrs. King, Nell and William (and Ronan, Dan and children),
I don't have words to express my sadness, and how full my heart is with thoughts of and prayers for all of you. Mr. King - the entire King family - was probably the most significant family in my life growing up in Bristol besides my own family. Mr. King (and, like Karen Sherfey, I can't call him anything but "Mr. King") was the kindest, gentlest, most remarkable man I knew. God's peace to all of you. The Bledsoes are wrapping our arms around you all.
Mary Capers Bledsoe
George Buchanan
October 25, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Marjorie Buchanan, Tal Jr. and George
Lawrence and Doe Mallinson
October 25, 2007
Bill was undoubtedly the most exceptional and special business contact I will ever have. He was the very best ambassador for America you could ever hope for. Charming and elegant, enthusiastic and positive yet also humble and modest. Please send more of his kind out into the big wide world.
Karen Sherfey Crawford
October 25, 2007
Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with Mr. King, at the house, on the lake, in the store. He was always there for Nell and all her friends. He will be missed by so many of us.
Bill & Betty Treadwell
October 25, 2007
May God be with the family during this time of sorrow. Bill was a great person and will be missed by many!
Jeff and Susan Walling
October 25, 2007
Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead. Jeff and I are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful person and will be terribly missed.
God is our comfort and
strength, and is there for us.
Warmly,
Doug Pritchard
October 25, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss.Your many wonderful memories will comfort you and your family. Sincerely, Doug Pritchard
Ed & Linda Wood
October 25, 2007
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Many fond memories from years ago.
Pam Oliver
October 25, 2007
Dear Ronan and family,
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I know he is a better place. Please let that be your comfort. I will keep you in my prayers.
Jim Reuning
October 25, 2007
May God Bless You during this time of grief. Bill will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to you.
Randy and Sherry Treadwell
October 25, 2007
What a wonderful man and family who has touched so many for so long. We have fond memories.
Serena Crumley
October 25, 2007
Bill King was in my mind an "icon" of Bristol and everso humble. When asked "how are you doing?" His response was always, "better than I deserve." He opened his heart and his home to Sam and me from day one. This man could get someone to scrub floors and love it...they'd come back and see if he had anymore floors to scrub. He was genteel, kind, assertive yet unobtrusive.....he'll be sorely missed but I'll have a smile on my face each time I think about Bill King and his kind spirit. Love and hugs to Ruth, William, Nell and your families. Serena (see you tonight)
Lynn Johnson
October 25, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
melanie gilliam yates
October 25, 2007
to the family, may God give you peace and comfort during this time and the days that follow
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