Rudolph V. King

Rudolph Valentino King, affectionately known as “Sonny Boy”, “Rudy”, and “Grand Daddy was born in Eckman, WV on April 28th, 1931, to parents Mary and Ernest King. Our Beloved Father and Grandfather peacefully departed this life on September 15th, 2024. Rudolph is the descendant of his 2nd Great-Grandfather “Rogers Dodge King”, a tobacco farm slave from Caswell County, North Carolina. His Grandfather James King led a King Family migration from Caswell County, NC to McDowell County, West Virginia in the late 1800’s.

In his childhood, Sonny Boy enjoyed playing with his friends, watching the coal mine trains and running up the mountainside picking apples for apple pies. He was also an athlete and shooting guard for his 1947 championship High School basketball team. Rudolph moved north to Columbus, Ohio in 1950 to pursue a better life and opportunities. His parents and siblings followed his journey to Columbus a few years later.

Rudy was a proud Military Veteran serving in the Korean War. He was employed by the Neil House, USPS, The Columbus Board of Education and later retired from the Kroger Bakery. After retirement Rudy enjoyed an immense number of hobbies that included family history research, photography, gardening and listening to music. His media collection includes 300 vinyl records, 150 cassette tapes, 100 VCR Tapes and over 1,000 photos.

He was an amazing cook that made the best sweet potato and coconut pies! He loved spending his evenings watching Andy Griffith and Sandford & Son with a bowl of vanilla ice cream. By far, his passion was being an avid “Fishing” connoisseur. He was well known amongst the fishing communities, local fish warehouses, Buckeye Lake, Hoover Dam and The Olentangy. Fishing was his peace of mind. As technology and the internet ignited in the 1990s, he fell in love with rebuilding computers and became a self-taught computer technician. Rudy was a man of innovation and always willing to learn something new.

Rudy had a tremendous gift of giving and a heart of gold. He was a family man to the fullest. He was always willing to lend a hand to assist, no matter how big or small the task. He was an exceptional human being that treated everyone with kindness, dignity and respect. He consistently displayed a natural talent for making people feel special and he had the most infectious laugh you’ll ever hear! The special moments Sonny Boy coveted most was spending precious time with his parents, Mom Mae & Daddy Earnest. Rudolph was an awesome Son, Father, Brother, Cousin, Nephew and Friend. He was a Man of God that has touched the lives of many, and his presence will truly be missed.

Rudolph Valentino King was preceded in death by his parents, Mary & Ernest King, Etta Jean King; son, Keith King; daughters, Wanda King and Regina Whiteside, sisters, Arnethia Reavish, Verda O’Neal, Ramona Tolber, Barbara Mack and Sandra Mack; and brother, Leotis (Buddy)Ray.

Rudolph leaves to cherish his memory. Kevin (Debi), Kathy Valentina, Timothy (Carol), Dana (Michelle), D’Juana Lisa (Mark), Rick and Stephanie; 29 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, 19 great-greatgrandchildren; sisters, Sharon and Linda; brother, James; and a wealth of extended family and friends.

To God Be the Glory. A Life, Well Lived.