Felix King, Jr. Obituary in Knoxville at Unity Mortuary

Obituary For Felix King, Jr.

Felix King, Jr. was born April 15, 1946, to Mary Frances and Felix King, the seventh oldest of ten children, 5 sons and 5 daughters. He was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, but left his home town at an early age to join the military. He passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, surrounded by his wife and his children.

He has gone to another home to join his family who preceded in death, his mother and father, his 3 oldest brothers, Willie James, affectionately known as “Buddy”, Cleo, and Richard, and his two oldest sisters, Sallie Lee and Annie Bell.

Felix attended Maynard and Cansler Elementary school, Beardsley Junior High School and briefly attended Austin High School before joining the Air Force, where he served his term of service in Vietnam, after which he returned to his home in Knoxville. He worked for the TVA in Knoxville, before becoming a student in the SGPO (Student Generator Plant Operator) Program at the TVA Shawnee Steam Plant in Paducah, Kentucky. The SGPO Program then transferred him to the Paradise Steam Plant in Drakesboro, Kentucky. Felix realized that he could not be away from his family so he quit the program and returned to Knoxville and became a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 270 working at various locations. He moved to Louisville, Kentucky, continuing to work as an electrician. After a period of time he transitioned into the trade of brick masonry. Felix loved working with bricks and it gave him a way to show his true artistic talent.

Felix loved children and was the proud father of eight children, four sons and four daughters. He was married for 52 years to the love of his life, Wilma Glore of Paducah, Kentucky.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Wilma; his four sons: William (Sandra) Johnson of Oxford, GA, Mario (Arlinda) Johnson of White Plains, MD, Felix King III of Oxon Hill, MD, and Michael King of Louisville, KY; his four daughters: Deanna (Ovie) Otarigho of Troy, OH, Debra Johnson (Mark) of Knoxville, TN, Felecia King of Knoxville, TN, and Colonel Mary (Greg) King of Arlington, VA; his 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; his sisters: Barbara Jene King Johnson, Franciena King and Carolyn (Earl) King White of Kansas City, MO; his brother James Lewis King of Knoxville, TN; and nieces, nephews and cousins located across the United States.

Felix was always on the move, active, always busy, in constant motion, tinkering, building, creating “things”, and had a special way of thinking and building “outside the box”. He enjoyed life, his family, and loved children. He had an uncanny knack of “disappearing” and doing the unexpected. He was mischievous as a child and as an adult. When his children were young, he was known to load his truck with his kids, his nephews, and any neighborhood kids, brave enough to go on his many adventures. He touched the lives of many people.

The family will receive on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 5-6:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Unity Mortuary Chapel.

The final resting place will be held at the East TN Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier) on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. where full military honors and dove release will conclude.

Unity Mortuary is more than honored to serve this family. www.unitymortuary1979.com.

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Bright and Beautiful Spray was sent for Felix King, Jr. - October 25, 2023

Send flowers for Felix King, Jr.

Tonya Bronson sent Joyful Memory for Felix King, Jr. - October 24, 2023

My deepest sympathies to the King Family. I pray God will comfort your hearts as you carry forward the love your dear husband and father shared with you. ~Tonya Bronson

Rochelle Stephens sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Felix King, Jr. - October 24, 2023

Our sincerest condolences to you and your family during your time of bereavement. You have our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Love Kenny and Rochelle Stephens

Cynthia W Range sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Felix King, Jr. - October 24, 2023

Sending my deepest condolences to the King Family and Loved Ones ❤️ Cynthia Range (Atlanta, GA)

Jeffrey Noyes sent Ocean Breeze Spray for Felix King, Jr. - October 24, 2023

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. -R&R Mechanical LLC

Stately Croton was sent for Felix King, Jr. - October 24, 2023

Sandra Johnson sent Rays of Light Spray for Felix King, Jr. - October 24, 2023

Dad we love and miss you. William and Sandra

Sweet Moments was sent for Felix King, Jr. - October 23, 2023

Philippa Houston sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Felix King, Jr. - October 23, 2023

Heartfelt condolences to Aunt Wilma and family. Philippa, James, Cheryl, Judy and Julie Glore

America the Beautiful was sent for Felix King, Jr. - October 23, 2023

My prayers and thoughts are with the family. I remember some funny times with Felix, especially in our younger years when we went to school and played together. He lived "just over the hill" from us. He always had us laughing as we walked home from school. He will be missed. Willie Jo Harold