Branton King

Branton B. King, 89, a resident of Rocky Mount, NC, died October 6 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC. He was born July 7, 1925 in Arnold, where he was raised. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 to serve in WWII and has lived over 15 years in Rocky Mount NC. Mr. King served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 and served aboard LST 508 during WWII including the Invasion of Normandy. He retired from the American Can Company where he worked as a Master Electrician and Supervisor. He enjoyed traveling, Maryland seafood and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Jesse (David) King; and his sister, Frances Whittington. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Marie King of Rocky Mount NC; his child, Marjorie E. Bear of Glen Burnie, MD; one brother, Walter King (Leverne) of CA; one sister, Alice Burkhardt of Arnold; two grandchildren, Victoria Longsworth and Cynthia Gifford; and four great grandchildren, Brittany Christensen, Tyler Ashford, William Longsworth, and Cameron Gifford. Family and friends may visit from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., on Saturday, October 12, at Johnson Funeral Home, 661 English Rd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Interment will be at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, Highway 43 North, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Memorial Contributions may be made to: VeteranAid.org Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funerals and Cremations, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount NC. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com