John W. King

John Welch King, son of the late Jake C. King and Clementine Partin King, passed from this life and into the presence of the Lord on the 15th day of November, 2024, being 91 years, 5 months and 20 days old at the time of his passing. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Imogene Sexton King, who passed away on August 3, 2000.
John was born at Seco, Kentucky on May 26, 1933. He lived as a youth at Millstone and later at Cromona, where his family moved when he was a teenager. He graduated from Fleming - Neon High School in May of 1953. John played guard for the Pirates football team in 1952 and 1953 and was known as a hard-nosed and dedicated player.
John loved learning and was determined to finish his 4-year college degree. After his wife passed away, he returned to school at the Southeast Community and Technical College Whitesburg Campus, and later to the University of Virginia at Wise, where he excelled in his studies. John graduated with honors from UVA-Wise in 2008, obtaining a double Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Sociology, at the age of 75. John never shied away from academic challenges, taking Calculus his last semester of school and making an "A" for the course. He was beloved by the younger students, and was always willing to offer them a bit of tutoring and some fatherly advice whenever the opportunity arose.
John is survived by his three loving sons: Bobby Rickey King (Teresa) of Hazard; Dave King of Odenton, Maryland, and John J. King (Reda) of Cromona; grandchildren, Tiffany Craft of Whitesburg; Tyler King, of Whitesburg; Abby Little (Darian), of Hazard; great-grandchildren, Sammi Craft, Whitesburg, Claire King, of Hazard; Lauren Grace Little, Hazard; and Matthew Collett, Hazard. A beloved Sister, Esther Wright of Payne Gap, also survived. John also leaves to mourn his passing a special friend, Shirella Hampton, of Speight, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
John was also preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Clem; sister Lola Mae King Cohill; brothers William Franklin "Bill" King, Curtis King and Jake King,Jr..
John would want to be remembered as a faithful Christian who fought the good fight of faith to the end of his days, and who always went out of his way to help others.
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