William L. King, Jr. (Luke), 98 of Sunset Beach, NC, died January 10, 2026. Luke was born in Durham, NC, on November 10, 1927, son of the late William Luther King and Oma Ivey King. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois King, two brothers and spouses, John F. King (Annie), Duncan King (Elise), and a son, William L. King, III. Also preceding him was his wife of seventy-two years, Ruth Weisner King on February 12, 2022.
He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Ward, Ocean Isle Beach; granddaughter, Angie King Starnes (Joel), Forest, Virginia; and three great grandchildren, Brett, Faith S. Newcomb (Spencer) and Hope Starnes; and one great-great grandson, Whitley. Also, nieces, Pam Blalock (Danny), Durham, Linda Poole, High Point, and nephew Dale King (Vicky) of Durham.
Luke graduated from Hillsborough High School, and attended Wake Forest University on a football scholarship, and finished in 1951 with a major in physical education. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
He was drafted in the United States Army in August 1952, assigned to Fort Jackson, SC.
After service he became Recreation Director for Erwin Mills, Inc. at Cooleemee, NC and then Personnel Manager with Burlington Industries for thirty-two years at Cramerton, NC, Clarksville, Virginia, Raeford, NC and Oxford, NC.
After retirement, he started a consultant firm in Human Resources with Gene Thompson. He consulted with Lace Lastics Company, Oxford, NC, Strand Development Company, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Griffin-Stafford Hospitality, Charlotte, NC.
He was involved in many community organizations, including Kawanis, Lions, Industrial Club, Granville Chamber of Commerce (President), Oxford Baptist Church (Deacon, Chairman), Director, Granville Savings and Loan, Meals on Wheels, and Organ Donor.
Luke was an avid golfer, quail hunter, and fresh water striped bass fisherman with fifty-year fishing partner Mack Stowe of Belmont, NC.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Calabash Covenant Presbyterian Church Columbarium on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please bring a can of food for the needy or donations to the Calabash Covenant Presbyterian Church (CCPC) 8820 Old Georgetown Road, SW, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.
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