Thomas Leroy King Sr., 81, of Rockford, IL, passed away on September 9, 2022. He was born on January 29, 1941 in Jonesboro, AR to Willie and Mabel (Dillon) King. Thomas graduated from Nettleton High School in 1959. He married the love of his life, Minnie Nichols, on September 18, 1965 and together they raised two children. Thomas worked at Ingersoll as a Machinist for 34 years. He loved golf, reading, the Chicago Cubs, boxing, and NCIS. Thomas came from a very large family having 14 brothers and sisters. Family was very important to him and he remained very close to his siblings throughout his life. Thomas was always there for his children and enjoyed coaching his son in little league and his daughter in trampoline and diving. His biggest joy in life was having the skill to rock any baby to sleep, babies adored Thomas just as much as he adored them. He was kind to everyone he met and will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
Thomas is survived by his children, Theresa (Todd) Hutchinson and Tom (Melissa) King Jr.; his grandchildren, Isabelle Hutchinson, Ryan King, Julia (Dylan) Burgess, and Ayden (Tiffany) King; his great-grandchildren, Blakely King, Demerie King and Zachariah Burgess; his siblings, Jim King, Laverne King, Linda Copeland, Gail Knight, John King, and Larry King; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Minnie; his parents; his siblings, Clarence King, Beryl King, Charles King, Velma Waymire, Harold King, Glenda King, Genevieve Scheffield, and David King.
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to all of the staff at River Bluff Nursing Home in Rockford, IL for all of their compassion and care over the last 9 years.
Memorial Service for Thomas will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, IL 61115 with Pastor Wendell Maynard officiating. Inurnment at a later date in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the King family.
