Willie Lee King was a devoted husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend whose life was marked by faith, service, humor, and love for his family and community. He passed away on April 2, 2026, Holy Thursday, leaving behind a legacy of joy, generosity, and unforgettable stories.

Born on October 8, 1939, Willie held a special place in the history of Saint Benedict the Moor Catholic Church. In 1939, he was the first baby baptized at the church under Father Martin Collins. When Saint Benedict School was launched in 1951, he remained closely connected to the parish community that helped shape his life and values.

In 1956, Willie participated in the Soap Box Derby sponsored by Modern Chevrolet and became the first black young man to participate in the North Carolina Soap Box Derby. As part of the event, participants were treated to an airplane ride over Winston Salem and a picnic at Tanglewood Park. Willie met the love of his life, Gloria Jean Cain, at the Soap Box Derby and knew right away that he was going to make her his wife.

Willie and Gloria built a beautiful life together and shared 60 years of marriage. In later years, they became well known for sponsoring trips to Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina, for more than ten years. Their trips were filled with laughter, food, drinks, fellowship, and Willie’s endless jokes. With Sam Puryear as his trusted backup, Willie made sure everyone had a good time.

Faith and service stayed at the center of Willie’s life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 30 years and served as a Fourth Degree Knight. He also led clothing drives for over a decade, helping provide for others with quiet consistency. Willie served as an altar server for more than 70 years. He was recognized as the oldest and longest serving alter server in the state of North Carolina.

Willie’s gift for connecting with people followed him everywhere. At the Winston Lake YMCA, where he served as a water aerobics instructor and lifeguard, he earned the nickname “King Willie.” He also taught at the YWCA in Winston-Salem. He took part in the NC Senior Games and once represented the Winston Lake YMCA in Raleigh. In true Willie fashion, he loved telling the story of how the starting gun stunned him and the race was over before he got going. He laughed hardest when he came in last after talking a little too much junk beforehand.

He was also honored with lifetime membership in the Boy Scouts of America in 1980 and served as an assistant scoutmaster. Throughout his life, Willie worked many jobs, with his final position before retirement being a salesman with Ligon Electrical Supply Company.

Willie was educated in parochial school and graduated from Saint Ann’s Academy in Winston Salem. He later attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, and remained a proud TSU Tiger throughout his life.

More than anything, Willie will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He loved bird watching, loved to laugh, loved to serve, and loved his family deeply. His stories, his jokes, and his steady presence will be missed beyond words.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Jean Cain King; his parents, Flora Bell King and James D. King, Sr.; and his niece, Angela King.

Willie is survived by his cherished family which include his loving daughters, Tonjua “Princess” King and Tawanna “TK” King (Payton “OP” Harshaw); granddog, Banks Coletti Willie King; brother, James D. King, Jr. (Bennie); great-niece, Imani King; sisters-in-law, Margaret Cain, Ruby Cain, Carolyn Cain, and Sharon Cain; brothers-in-law, Johnnie Bailey an Malcolm Cain; Godchildren, Joran Burrell and Morgan Burrell Downey; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A public viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral mass will be held at 12:00pm Friday, April 10, 2026 at Our Lady Of Mercy Catholic Church. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00pm on Friday at the Church.