William Walter King

1939 - 2023

William Walter King, Captain U.S. Navy (Retired) died peacefully on October 30, 2023, at the age of 83, the day after spending his 57th wedding anniversary with his loving and devoted wife, Cecelia. Will was born in Onley, Virginia, on December 27, 1939, the son of Mary Elizabeth and Walter Bundick King. He attended elementary and middle school on the Eastern Shore and graduated from Hermitage High in Richmond, Virginia.

The first of his family to attend college, Will graduated from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. To put himself through school, Will proudly worked at local men's clothing stores Ed Michtoms and Eljos, as well as Mincer's Bookstore. He brought boundless energy to all he did, and he managed to balance a passion for his studies and diligence at his jobs with time for fully enjoying UVA, especially with his Zeta Psi fraternity brothers who became lifelong friends.

After college, Will joined the U.S. Navy and later earned his MBA from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1977. Over his decorated 22-year active-duty military career, including a three-year early promotion to the rank of Captain, Will served two tours in Vietnam as Commanding Officer of USS Ready (PG-87) and on seven other combatant ships, including Commanding Officer of the destroyer USS Arthur W. Radford (DD-968). His significant shore assignments included several tours as Aide and Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations. Will's decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat "V" for service as Commanding Officer of USS Ready, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V," Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V," and Combat Action Ribbon.

Following a fulfilling naval career, Will was blessed to find another calling, serving as headmaster of Norfolk Collegiate School for 20 years. At Norfolk Collegiate, he dedicated himself to shaping the lives of hundreds of students. Knowing the name of each and every student was just the beginning. He remembered details about students' interests and goals, demonstrating how profoundly he cared about their lives and their futures. He greeted everyone with a smile and expressed a genuine warmth and hospitality that emanated from him throughout the school.

During his tenure, Will helped plan and raise funds for the construction of all the current buildings and athletic fields. He encouraged educational innovations in the classroom, supporting technology integration, expanding the school's fine and performing arts programs, and strengthening the school's endowment. After retiring, he became an honorary trustee emeritus and helped as a volunteer fundraiser. He also served as treasurer and president of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

After his tenure at Norfolk Collegiate, he served as the executive director of the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation and then as a development director for the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. Among numerous civic endeavors, Will served as president of the board of directors of Lee's Friends and president of the Norfolk Forum, was on the board of the Future of Hampton Roads, and a proud member of the Norfolk Rotary Club. He also served in many capacities on the board of Chesapeake Bay Academy. One of Will's proudest accomplishments was as co-founder and later chairman of the board of Horizons Hampton Roads, a remarkable academic summer program that enriches the lives of public-school students. His expansive community volunteer service was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award in 2017.

A man of great faith, Will served many terms on the vestry and as senior warden at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. For parishioners and visitors, Will would be best remembered as the church's official greeter at the 8:00 a.m. service, taking personal responsibility to ensure that all who entered felt welcomed. His spiritual faith led him to look for the best in people, and he always found it.

Will loved his family and friends deeply and will be forever remembered for his kind, selfless, and generous nature, his mischievous wit, and his love of the Eastern Shore and UVA. He truly was a consummate gentleman.

Will is survived by his beloved wife, Cecelia, and daughters; Elizabeth Lynch, and her sons Jack and Luke; Caroline Furr, her husband Carter, and their children, Carter, Kate, and Ann Randolph; and K.C. Buffkin, her husband Andy, and their children Will and Ellie. He is also survived by his sister Marion King, brother John King and his wife Brenda; brother-in-law Robert Burdell and his wife Debbie; and his nephew, Mark King, and niece, Goshen King. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother David King.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 8 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1009 W. Princess Anne Road, followed by a reception Norfolk Collegiate School, 7336 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23505.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Norfolk Collegiate School, Lee's Friends, 7400 Hampton Blvd #201, Norfolk, VA 23505 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com