Sam King Jr. was born August 21, 1938 in Fort Worth, Texas, to Eva Mae and Samuel King. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in Oakland and Yoakum Texas.

Sam King graduated from high school in Waco, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1958 where he served with distinction for over 20 years. As an enlisted soldier he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. During this time, he received specialized training and became a member of the Green Berets-Special Forces Unit/Airborne. He was accepted and graduated from Officer’s Candidate School in 1967 during which he earned the Distinguished Graduate Award and the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He served two tours of Vietnam in 1964 and 1969. He graduated from Shaw University with a B.A. in Business Management in 1976. In 1978, Sam King Jr. retired from the military after achieving the rank of Captain and received numerous awards during his service including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, and Republic of Vietnam Honorary Jump Wings, to name a few.

While serving in the military and stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., Sam King Jr. met and married Nina Lee Green of Durham, N.C. During this time, their friendship with one another and others were forged that lasted their entire lives. Those who were fortunate enough to know Sam (“King” to his friends), would say, “A true gentleman, generous to a fault, and always available to help someone in need.”

The union of Sam and Nina King resulted in the birth of three daughters during 1967, 1969, and 1974. Throughout their marriage, they traveled to many locales in Europe and across the United States. They instilled a love of travel, adventure, and curiosity in all three of their daughters. His children have fond memories of traveling cross country in their RV during summer vacations. He was devoted to his wife and “the girls.” He faithfully attended various ballet recitals, cheerleading, athletic, and other extra-curricular events in which his daughters participated. Saturday’s usually involved an animated Disney movie and pizza with Sam and “his girls.”

After a distinguished career in the military Sam King Jr. embarked upon his second career in Corporate Management with General Motors requiring the family to move to Greendale, Wisconsin where they resided for six years. After various promotions the family returned to North Carolina for one year, then moved to Fairport, New York for two years. They returned to Wisconsin, residing in Brown Deer, where Sam King retired after an outstanding 26-year career with General Motors. Longing to be close to their children and grandchildren, Sam and Nina returned to Durham, North Carolina.

Sam King Jr. was preceded in death by his parents Eva Mae Mitchell, Samuel King Sr., his sister, Willie Mae Mitchell, and his brother, Eugene King. Fond memories of “King” will be cherished by his loving, devoted wife of 54 years, Nina G. King, and his 3 adoring and grateful daughters, Lisa K. Ellis of Stockbridge, GA, Lori K. Leathers of Durham, NC, and Lashandra L. King of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren, Christopher S.K. Leathers, Matthew A. Leathers, and Katherine E. Leathers of Durham, NC; Major W. Ellis, Marcus T. Ellis, and Mikayla A. Ellis, of Stockbridge, GA.; and Sons-In-Law Michael E. Leathers and Gerald A. Ellis and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family, and friends.

Captain Sam King Jr. was a man of integrity, character, and courage, who loved his family and always put them first. He will be missed tremendously and loved endlessly.