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Dr. James LeRoy King, Jr.

April 05, 1933 - December 28, 2022

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Obituary For Dr. James LeRoy King, Jr.

Dr. James LeRoy King, Jr. passed away on December 28, 2022, at the age of 89. For those of us who were blessed to know and love him, the sadness of his passing is mitigated by the joy of having him as a continual light in our lives for so many years. LeRoy was that rarest of souls—one who loved to live and lived to love.

LeRoy was born in Wilmington, NC, on April 5, 1933. He fondly recalled his idyllic weekends as a teenager taking the city bus to Wrightsville Beach for the day and spending that time swimming and socializing with buddies at the Lumina Pavilion. After graduating from New Hanover High in 1951, he became one of the very few Wake Forest undergraduates who began college in Wake Forest, NC and graduated from medical school in 1958 in Winston-Salem. He did his residency in Chicago and practiced family medicine in Monroe, NC, in the 1960’s.

After a residency in anesthesiology in Boston and teaching at Duke University, LeRoy, and his medical partner, Larry Haynes, founded Wake Anesthesiology Associates in 1969 and grew the practice to include many partners and nurse anesthetists. His bedside manner and his performance in the operating room were marked by a calm, expert demeanor. Family and friends were also blessed by this same reassuring presence.

LeRoy retired from Wake Anesthesiology Associates in 1995, and what a fulfilling retirement he enjoyed! Reflecting his passion for world travel and history, he created “Dickens Destinations,” a learning-travel business which would take other adventurous travelers on twenty-seven international trips to include Great Britain, France, Italy, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Canada, and South Africa.

LeRoy also served two terms as Board Chair for “Friends of Residents in Long-Term Care,” a non-profit organization which raised money to lobby for important legislative change within the nursing home industry in NC.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, James LeRoy King, and Martha Murray King. He is survived by his devoted partner, Elliot Engel with whom LeRoy shared forty wonderful years, his former wife and lifelong friend, Rebecca King, his two cherished children, Thomas Michael King of Raleigh, NC and Sara King Chappelow of Oak Ridge, NC, his supportive son-in-law, Craig Chappelow, along with three grandsons, whom he loved beyond measure: Thomas Chappelow of Durham, Andrew Chappelow of Wilmington, and Benjamin Chappelow of Asheville.

In addition to his family, LeRoy was deeply grateful for six other treasured people in his life: Larry Haynes, his medical partner and dear friend, four nurse anesthetists—Brenda Haynes, Dawn Mann, Sabra Taylor, and Bea Tripp—who began as dedicated employees but became friends for life, and Quinn Hawkesworth who was an adored friend throughout the year but especially at Christmas.

Finally, LeRoy, Elliot, and the family will be forever grateful to Josie Bryan, who with her amazing and compassionate nursing skills helped LeRoy navigate the considerable challenges of his recent failing memory with good humor and grace. They are also thankful to Transitions LifeCare who were excellent guides and caregivers during LeRoy’s last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Transitions LifeCare.

Service details are below.

Services

4 Jan

Celebration of Life Service

02:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
4 Jan

Visitation Following the Service

02:45 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 18, 2023

    Elliot and family, our sincere condolences. LeRoy was special, kind, considerate and always a gentleman. We have fond memories of our times with you both.

  • January 09, 2023

    May LeRoy's memory be a blessing. May time ease your grief and leave you with only treasured memories of your time with him. With deepest sympathy, Greg

  • January 04, 2023

    Elliot - So sorry to hear about LeRoy. Our thoughts are with you today. Hoke Kimball

  • January 03, 2023

    Bonnie, Becki, Abby and I have many wonderful memories of the times spent with LeRoy and Elliot. They were always welcoming and generous. Whenever Bonnie bakes a tomato pie I think of LeRoy who introduced us to that delicacy. Once when we were sharing a house on the Atlantic I cut my finger slicing a bagel. I thought my days of body surfing and boogie boarding on that vacation were over, but their was a doctor in the house. LeRoy patched me up and we were off to the beach. When we went to a restaurant Bonnie and I required the girls to eat at least one bite of seafood. Becki and Abby would circle the table usually stopping at LeRoy or Elliot's table to fulfill their duty. We will never forget the good times we spent with LeRoy and Elliot! The Herremans

  • January 02, 2023

    I have only the best memories of LeRoy, and I will remember his gentle kindness always. Wishing peace and comfort to all those who knew him.

  • January 02, 2023

    Elliot, Ann and I send our love for you in your sorrow. You and LeRoy had 40 wonderful years, and we know your memories will be a blessing. We hold you in our prayers that you will be comforted. Joe and Ann

  • December 30, 2022

    In loving memory of a man who was quite simply the best Father-in-Law that any girl could wish for. I remain in deepest mourning. Suzi Shaffner Gilmore

  • December 30, 2022

    My dear LeRoy, A lovely friend with a passion for travel, literature, but mainly for investing time in friendships and family.

  • December 29, 2022

    Sara, there are no words that can relieve the grief you must feel. In the end, it will be the cherished memories and the love you shared that will make what today feels shattered and into a complete whole once again. Please know I am praying for you and your family and wish you continued love and peace. Please give my best to Craig. Much love, Drew

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