White Sulphur Springs-Stephen Patrick King, 83, left his earthly life to begin God’s promise of life eternal Monday, Mar. 15, 2021 at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, surrounded by loving family. He fought a brave battle with pulmonary fibrosis but couldn’t win the final round when pneumonia became a complication.
Steve was born and raised in White Sulphur Springs by his late parents, Patrick H. and Eloise Hanna King.
Salutatorian of White Sulphur High School’s class of 1955 and a graduate of West Virginia University, he immediately was contracted with the West Virginia Agency of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance and became the local District Agent until he retired in 2000. Then, as he often said, he could devote all of his time to his real life’s work of hunting on Greenbrier Mountain and fishing every fishing hole he came across in both the United States and Canada (but always coming back to the Greenbrier River). He also loved playing golf with his buddies at Valley View Country Club if the fish weren’t biting. He was sometimes referred to as a walking chamber of commerce because he would often stop total strangers to tell them of the wonderful outdoor activities in and around Greenbrier County and they really should come back and enjoy them.
Steve was a lifelong member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, where he had served as chairman of the Administrative Council and member of the Board of Trustees. He was a proud Rotarian and past president of both the White Sulphur Springs and Lewisburg clubs. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. His office was in Lewisburg and he was asked to become president of the Eastern Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce and he accepted on one condition. That condition was that he be allowed to expand membership to the western side of the county and rename the organization the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce. His condition was accepted and membership increased from fewer than 50 to more than 200 within a year’s time. He also served on the Board of Directors of Carnegie Hall and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre and was currently serving on the theatre’s advisory board. He held memberships in the Bass Anglers Society and Trout Unlimited.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dannie.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Sue Ballard King; children Betsy Karr (Jimmy) of Rotonda West, FL; Stephen Patrick King Jr. (Angie) of Roanoke and Lewisburg; and John Ballard King (Jennifer) of Renick. He had five precious grandchildren, Devin King (Patricia) of Smithfield, VA; Susanna Harrison (Josh Jones) of Columbus, OH; John Michael King (Bill Rydzewski) of Washington, DC; David Ballard King (Nicolly) of Tampa, FL; and Lillie Ann King of Lewisburg; and adopted grandson, Kalleone Moret of York, PA. He also leaves one brother, Toby and wife Jennifer of Toronto, Canada; and eight nieces and nephews. A special brother from another mother, Harry Ballard of New Bern, NC, will miss their many good times together. Steve often said that he was the richest man on Earth to have the love of his family and many, many friends.
The family will receive friends at Emmanuel United Methodist Church on Sunday, Mar. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. and a memorial service will be held Monday, Mar. 22, at 11 a.m. at the church.
Because COVID-19 restrictions have been somewhat relaxed, come as you are comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenbrier Valley Theatre (1038 E. Washington St., Lewisburg, WV 24901) or Emmanuel United Methodist Church (136 Hanna Lane, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986).
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
