Dr. Lunsford Richardson King Jr.

Lunsford Richardson King, Jr., beloved son, brother, father, uncle, doctor and friend, passed away Monday, July 27th, 2026, due to a sudden illness. He was 60 years old. He was surrounded by loved ones and died peacefully. He is survived by his three daughters, Ella

Grace King, Alice Talbot King and Kate Richardson King, his parents, Patty and Richie King of Davidson, NC, his sister, Mary Kim Folds (Jim) of Davidson, NC, his nephew James Folds of Charlotte NC and his niece Mary Folds of Davidson, NC.

Lunsford was born October 1st, 1965, and grew up in the town of Davidson, NC. As a young boy, he enjoyed making and building things. Once, he built his own bicycle out of spare parts. Unfortunately, it came apart during a test ride down a hill, but Lunsford seemed to know this was part of the inventive process. Another favorite activity was launching rockets. He loved assembling them and seeing how far they could go. In later years, he shared this passion with his children, niece and nephew which, of course, they couldn’t get enough of. Finding open spaces in which to launch the rockets added an element of lawlessness to the fun. This adventurous spirit, that may have gotten him into a little bit of trouble as a boy, made for great storytelling later. Over the years, he could bring his family to tears laughing as he recounted some of his childhood adventures and mishaps, complete with sound effects. The man could tell a story.

In the 9th grade, Lunsford left home for Woodberry Forest school in Orange, VA, where he played sports and earned the title of Senior Prefect. From there he went to college and then medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at MUSC- Charleston. Lunsford began his medical career in Wilmington, NC, as a private practice psychiatrist. He built a home on the Intracoastal waterway where he pursued his passion of

boating.

In 2008, he joined Coastal Southeastern United Care as Medical Director. In 2022, he continued in the role of Medical Director for Southeastern Integrated Care until his death.

These years were surely the most fulfilling for Lunsford as he was able to reach underserved populations struggling with mental health issues, including addiction. He cared deeply for his patients and has been described as someone who saved lives by many of them. He took his practice of medicine very seriously and was regarded as a brilliant and compassionate doctor by his patients, coworkers and peers.

Lunsford loved his work, but he loved his three girls the most. They will have wonderful memories of adventures with their dad (of which there were many) to sustain them through this dark time. He was so very proud of them all and bragged on them with great regularity. He was a devoted father and would have gone to the ends of the earth for them. His family, friends and patients have lost a wonderful soul.

Please visit dignitymemorial.com for funeral arrangements (currently TBD)