Michael Wayne King

Obituary for Michael Wayne King

November 25, 1954 – August 7, 2025

With deep sorrow and grateful remembrance, we announce the passing of Michael "Mike" Wayne King, who departed this earthly life at the age of 70 on August 7, 2025, in Fresno, California. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Mike left behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, music, and unwavering devotion to those he cherished.

Mike was born on November 25, 1954-Thanksgiving Day-at Dearborn Hospital in Madera, California, to Charles and Anna Lou King. Raised on the family dairy ranch in the Dixieland community, Mike's life was rooted in the importance of hard work and family-values that guided every chapter of his journey. In 1972, Mike graduated from Madera High School, where he was a member of the marching band and FFA. Following graduation, Mike studied business at Fresno City College and Fresno State.

Mike married the love of his life, Jeannie, on November 5, 1988, at Northwest Church in Fresno, California. They were married for 37 years and built a beautiful life together. Mike and Jeannie loved their date nights, which often consisted of seeing the latest movie and eating at Outback Steakhouse. More recently, Mike and Jeannie travelled to many new places, and they loved being members of the Central Valley Corvette Club and Pontiac Club of Central California.

Mike was also a proud father to his three children and their spouses: Jennifer Psirogiannis and her husband Dino, Shelby Oluwalana and her husband Damilola, and Matthew King and his wife Rita. He spoke often of his kids' many accomplishments and the joy they brought him.

Mike is survived by his wife and children, along with his brother Larry King and sister-in-law Janet, his sister Janice Bianchi, and his mother-in-law Gayle Hall. He is also survived by an extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many wonderful friends, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, as well as his grandparents, William and Lois King and George and Nellie Davis, and his brother-in-law, Al Bianchi.

For over four decades, Mike was the proud owner and CEO of Speeda Sound, Inc.-a company he built from the ground up-that specialized in providing professional concert sound systems. Speeda Sound's name quickly became synonymous with excellence in the entertainment industry. From dusty fairgrounds to grand concert stages, Mike ensured that the music rang out true and clear. He had a gifted ear and a meticulous eye, and he earned the respect of artists and crews alike-not just for his expertise, but for his company's reliability and top-notch quality. Mike became especially well-known for his work through the Western Fairs Association, which covered California and other Western state fairs. Mike also provided sound and backline for events all over the country, including: ZZ Top and the Franklin Graham Crusades in Alaska, PBR and Gary Allen at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Irving, Texas, Three Dog Night in Georgia, and Grand Funk Railroad at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado.

But Mike was more than just the man behind the soundboard-he was also a drummer whose rhythm pulsed through every part of his life. From his teenage years through adulthood, Mike played in numerous bands, including Crossfire, Union Pacific, and The Rust'd Nutz. And you could often find Mike playing at Lucca's restaurant on the weekends. His deep love for performing and sharing the stage with fellow musicians was evident to all who knew him. Whether at a concert venue or during an impromptu jam session at Liberty Steel, Mike brought energy and love for rock'n'roll to every performance. Drumming was more than just music to Mike-it was the heartbeat of his spirit and he could be found tapping to beats on every surface.

Mike also found immense joy in restoring and collecting classic cars with his brother. Whether rockin' down the highway in a new corvette or standing back to admire his latest restoration project, Mike appreciated a car's factory beauty and the gleam of polished chrome (and, boy, did he love putting a fresh set of chrome Cragar wheels on his cars). His passion for classic cars led to a vast collection, even earning him the nickname "Chief Multivision" from his fellow Truck Club members.

Those who knew Mike will remember him for his fun-loving nature, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering resolve when it came to his deeply held beliefs. He had an infectious laugh and in recent years developed a love for "Dad jokes."

Mike's life was a symphony of sound and silence, going from roaring concert crowds at night to quiet garage mornings upfitting his Chevy trucks with tilt-steering columns. His drumming laid the rhythm not just for his favorite music, but for the way he lived his life: with intention, passion, and a consistency that grounded others. While the silence left by his absence is profound, the echoes of his laughter, his music, and his wisdom will remain with all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Mike. After years fighting cancer and other medical challenges, you can now comfortably rest in heaven. But until we meet again, know that you will be missed beyond words and loved forever by those you are leaving behind.

A memorial service to celebrate Mike's life will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Jay Chapel in Madera, California. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mike's memory to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.