March 7, 2011

SUFFOLK, Va. — Ralph Butler King, devoted father, husband and friend, peacefully passed through “those Golden Gates” on Monday, March 7, 2011 at his home surrounded by family. Born in Suffolk, Va. on Nov. 25, 1925, he was predeceased by his parents, M.B. and Clairine Ward King; two brothers, Winfred King and Rufus Powell; and his wife of 46 years, Alice Carter King.

Left to cherish his life and the memories abound are his daughter, Faye King Milteer, of Alma, Ark. (Gary); son, Kenneth Butler King (Tricia); sister, Christine King Nelms, all of Suffolk, Va.; a loving grandfather and a great-grandfather, he leaves behind four grandchildren, Tracy Sapp, Trina Shuey, Health Milteer and Taylor King; and six great-grandchildren, Brittany and Mikayla Sapp, Hanna and Olivia Shuey, and Ellie Milteer and Emily Dodd.

Also to cherish his life in his later years was his additional family, his devoted wife of 11 years, Mary Britt King and her children, Bessie Mae Mathias (Stewart), Wayne Britt (Sandy) and Faye Bright (Arthur), along with six gran children who called him Paw Paw.

Mr. King served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater and retired after 35 years of service with Virginia Power Company, Suffolk division, as an auger truck driver and operator. To his co-workers, he was always called “Clem.” Known for his master vegetable and flower gardens, Mr. King was a master at growing any and all things, but what he loved most was watching it grow and then giving it away.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011 in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., with burial in Holly Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. On behalf of the family, in lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Foundation, or any other organization of your choice in his name. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.