Wayne Thornton King Sr.

KING, Wayne Thornton Sr. 81, of New Port Richey went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. He was born in Rome, GA and grew up on his grandfather's farm in Cherokee County, AL. He graduated from Cherokee County High School at 16 and went on the attend University of Alabama. He enlisted in the Navy and served as a telephone communications technician on the USS New York, USS Iowa and the USS St. Paul. In 1946 the U.S. Navy volunteered him to serve on Operation Crossroads on the USS New York. In 1948 Wayne moved to Clearwater from Alabama. Once in Clearwater he became a member of the Clearwater Police Dept. where he was appointed to form the first traffic bureau in 1951. His many duties included education, traffic safety, traffic engineering, and enforcement. Wayne left the police dept. in 1957 and began work for the Bell Engineering Firm, which was contracted to perform comprehensive traffic studies for the City of St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County to determine the roadway needs for the area over the following 20 years. This study is still being used as the basis for many projects taking place today. Wayne was involved in the nursery and landscaping business in the late 50's through the 80's as owner and operator of Sullivan and King, Inc. and Garden City of Clearwater, in addition to the Sullivan & King Stone Yard on Alt. 19 in Tarpon. He also owned construction companies, W.K. Enterprises, Inc., and Sun Island Corp., Inc. Out of the numerous landscaping jobs that Wayne completed, Susan's favorite was the former bank building at the corner of Drew Street and U.S. 19 in Clearwater. Wayne designed and installed the landscaping and irrigation systems at that location. It is now home to the frequently visited site of the Blessed Mother seen in the windows of that building. Wayne was dedicated to youth field sports beginning with the Police Athletic League in the 50's, was a founding board member of Clearwater for Youth in the 60's, and then finally the President and Founder of Upper Pinellas for Youth and it's Sports Facility in the East Lake area during the 80's. He was an avid big game hunter. Wayne and Susie amassed a magnificent collection of North American trophies, which are beautifully displayed in their game room. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, Master Mason, Clearwater Lodge #127 having received his 50 year pin in February of 2009, 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Tampa, Egypt Temple Shrine, Tampa, Royal Order of Jesters, Tampa Court #89, Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Clearwater Touchdown Club. Survivors include his wife, Susan; sons, Wayne (Kelly) T. King, Jr., George (Karen) Morgan III, Samuel (Suzanne) T. Morgan, and Victor (Wendy) Wallace; cousins, Anne Byram and James Byram; and grandchildren, Elizabeth, Grace, Tanner, Sophia, and Gage. Visitation will take place on Friday, July 31, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Morgan Funeral Home. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009 at First United Methodist Church, in Tarpon Springs at 11 am. Entombment will follow at Cycadia Cemetery. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations should be made to Shriner's Childrens Hospitals, Gulfside Regional Hospice, or the First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs. Arrangements entrusted to Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 6025 Trouble Creek Road New Port Richey, FL 34653 727-847-3999