Arthur Eugene King

My amazing dad Arthur was born in the mill village of Mooresville NC on November 15, 1932, Dad was one of 6 and was always the apple of his mother’s eye. He was an incredible athlete and played both baseball and basketball at Mooresville HS. He was recruited to be a dual athlete at Brevard College, where he lettered in both sports. Many of his teammates felt he could have played professional baseball or basketball. I have a 5-inch book with his white “B” Brevard letter and piles of article of his athletic accomplishments. But school was not for him and he left to join the US Army right after the Korean war had just ended. After achieving the rank of Sergeant, he returned home to Mooresville. At a square dance he met my wonderful mother, Bobbie. They were married until her death in 2001. I was an only child and I can’t imagine having better parents that God blessed me with. Several years later, my father remarried a wonderful woman named Betty whom he, and I, loved deeply. She passed away in 2017 after they had 10 wonderful years together.

Arthur was the best dad a son could ever have. He loved me so much, and every day, after many years working 3 jobs, always made time to spend with me and my friends, coaching many of our sports teams and being a scout master.

Most of all he always had me in church and taught, and exhibited to me through his life, what it meant to love the Lord and be a Christian.

Dad’s primary job was with the US Postal Service as a letter carrier. For most of his career as a letter carrier he had a walking route that he walked over 8 miles a day for 30 years. We calculated he walked across the country over 3 times! I’ll never forget the hugs he gave me every day when he came home from delivering mail…picking me up in his burly arms and rubbing his bristly whiskers on face! It gave me such love and security.

Dad so loved gardening and had so many years of wonderful gardens full of country tomatoes, okra, peppers, collards and so much more….most of which he gave to his friends.

Dad’s greatest love however was serving the Lord. He was a mender of Plaza Baptist Church for over 60 years and gave so very much to the church including leading a mission to serve the least and lost of the local NODA community. He also served as a very active and instrumental Deacon. He was an all-time favorite of Pastor Gales who gave him the name of “Ancient Art”. Pastor Gales held such a deep and special place in dad’s heart.

My dad was always bringing joy to so many and was known for his humor and jokes. I truly believe he had over 1000 jokes in his repertoire. Even at 65 years old I still heard new ones!

My son labeled him as the “GOAT”…The Greatest of All Time. He is so right. I always said my dad was the most Christlike person I’ve ever known. He was, by far, the most SELFLESS person I’ve ever met. Always Always Always putting the needs of others before his own!

Words will never describe how much we will miss him. God must be SO happy to finally have his special children back home! Dad probably has Heaven laughing and smiling! I rejoice in the fact I will one day, be reunited with my hero and be with him for eternity!!!

Arthur is survived by me, his only child, Jeff, grandchildren Britt and Rachel. Their spouses Callie and Corey, great grandchildren Hayden, Tucker, Cooper, Cobey and McKenzie. Alos his sister Patty and brother Barry and wife Jimmie. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Mental Health America of the Central Carolinas, in memory of my dad.

Daddy, I will see you soon. You are my HERO! I love you SO!

The funeral will be held 12:45 p.m., Tuesday, November 25 in the chapel at Wilson Funeral and Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Rd., Charlotte with Dr. Larry Patton officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.