March 21, 2023, 80, Mount Olive –

Thomas Ray King, Sr., known to us all as Tommy King, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 21, 2023.

He was a resident of the Mount Olive/Faison area, the son of the late Willard Ray “Bill” and Margie Miller King.  Tommy graduated from North Duplin High School with the class of 1960.  While Tommy was a lifelong farmer, he will best be remembered for his many years of loyal service as a telecommunications dispatcher for police, fire, and rescue in the Mount Olive area.  He also had been associated with Mount Olive Livestock Market at different intervals over a 30-year period,  had operated a welding and repair shop, and had been in the employ of Smith Bros. as a grain buyer.

Tommy is survived by his children and their spouses, Teresa and James King of Seven Springs, Thomas Ray King, Jr. of Calypso, Jeffrey David King of Mount Olive, Don and Michelle Garris of Hayesville, and Kimberly and Scott Thigpen of Beulaville; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters and their spouses, Betty and Ron Obremski of Apex, Judy and Burton Johnson of Four Oaks, and Linda and Vince Carter of Mount Olive; six nieces and nephews; and lastly, his favored companion, “Slap Jack.”

Along with his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Adams King; and a daughter-in-law, Gwen S. King.

Funeral services for Tommy will be Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. J. Paul Rose, and followed by visitation.  Burial will be Friday, March 24, at 11 a.m. in the Faison Town Cemetery.  Family and friends are also being received at the Tommy King residence.