William King 1949 - 2019 - Obituary

William David 'Bill' King

1949 - 2019

NCC (SW) USN (Ret.) William (Bill) David King, Newport News, VA went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 5, 2019 after a long battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.

William was born on September 13, 1949 in Wichita Falls, TX to Jolyn Anderson and William R. King. He attended Wiesbaden High School, Germany where he graduated in 1967.

William joined the United States Navy in 1968. He proudly fought for the country he loved during the Vietnam War. He served two tours, the first as a Corpsman to the Marines and the second as a Gunner on the Riverine Patrol Boat. Upon his retirement in 1991, William had received the Navy Commendation Medal (2), Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal (12 stars), Vietnam Gallantry Cross (2), the Navy Achievement Medal (3), Navy Good Conduct Medal (5) and many other commendations and medals. His duty stations included Special Warfare Support Group Two, USS Dwight D Eisenhower CVN-69, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis MD, Navmag Lualualei, HI and Navsta Keflavik, Iceland.

William married the love of his life, Arlene Crewe, on August 5, 1979. He graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History in May 2000. William loved spending time with his family, studying history, shopping, watching news talk shows, the Denver Broncos, Starbucks, Chick-fil-a and HGTV.

William is survived by his wife of 40 years, Arlene; three children, Patrick King (Sebrina) of Oceanside, CA, Stacey Blomberg (Rick Haney) of Jefferson City, MO, Erin Perez (Tony) of Severn, MD; eight grandchildren, Blake King, Christopher King, Elizabeth Blomberg, Katie Blomberg, Dylan King, Emma King, Isabella Perez, and Luna Perez; one great-granddaughter, Molly King; his mother and step-father, Jolyn and Don Bucci, of Vacaville, CA; three sisters, Terri Baldwin, of Citrus Heights, CA, Lisa Thornburg (Jon) of Kettle Falls, WA and Donna Wratten (John) of Vacaville, CA. He had one brother in-law, Bobby Crewe (Brenda) of Gloucester, VA; one sister in-law, Frankie Brumfield of Newport News, VA and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 111 Church Street, Yorktown, VA 23690.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Lymphoma Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Altmeyer Funeral Home-Denbigh Chapel, 12893 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23608.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in Daily Press on Nov. 8, 2019.

MEMORIAL EVENTS

NOV

11

Memorial service

02:00 PM

Grace Episcopal Church

Send Flowers

Funeral services provided by

Altmeyer Funeral Home - Denbigh Chapel

12893 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23608

Send Flowers

Order by phone: (866) 764-7853

Memories & Condolences

Guest Book sponsored by Altmeyer Funeral Home - Denbigh Chapel

Add a photo

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines FAQ

9 entries

May 29, 2020

Bill was a great guy .He was one of few guys from Wiesbaden that I really new and liked. I was from Mainz, Army brat and most my friends were from Mainz.
I have drank some beers with good old Bill. Bless his soul.........

OLLIE Moore

Friend

November 10, 2019

My prayers are with you and your family....Bill was a great guy, always helpful even when he didn't feel well....only good memories ...he will be missed....but we will see him again in heaven....love you all.

Connie Wilem

November 10, 2019

So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.

November 9, 2019

I met Bill when he was just a 16-year-old kid. He was the singer for a band in which I was once the keyboard player and manager. He had great pipes and the voice of a rock-star star. Bill and I had been friends for 54 years. Tuesday, he left the surly bonds of this earth and touched the face of Almighty God. He was not just my friend, but was a Christian, a career Navy man, a family man, a hero and a patriot. He suffered much, but did not complain. His suffering is over now, and he rests. I know that he has a special place in heaven reserved for only the best and that this world is a better place because it was once blessed with his presence. May God hold him in his loving arms until that day when we meet again.

Gary Sailors

Friend

November 9, 2019

I first knew Bill when he was a 16 year old kid back in Wiesbaden Germany. We played together in a band. It is important that we should not try to elevate him greater, however, in death than he was in life. He, like all of us had his faults, although strangely, I can't recall any of his today. He, like the rest of us, was not a saint but he was a God fearing, caring, and loving person. I suspect that he remained so his entire life.
On November 5, William King, a son, a husband, a father, a brother and cousin left us and this life that we know. I and all Christianity believe that this, however, was only an end to this, first, life. I will leave the sermons and God saving graces to Him and to the Clergy and as always I certainly want to thank them for all of their comforting words.
It is indeed sad to today recall Bill's death but it is equally important to remember that he lived. He lived, loved and enjoyed his family, his service to our country and his interpersonal relationships. What moves through us now is a quiet stillness, and while we long for one more hug, one more kiss, one more touch or one more laugh, these will have to wait until that glorious day when we are re-united.
Let me speak briefly regarding presence. The Bill that I knew so many years ago was always there when you needed an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on or just to be someone who cared. He could sit quietly and listen to your cares, concerns or problems and in the end, he always had and stated an opinion, like it or not. I suspect that he remained so for his entire life.
We simply will never forget that smile or that laugh. He would smile or laugh even when he felt horrible, if he thought that you needed your spirits lifted. I suspect that he remained so his entire life.
Attitude! Now let me tell you that this man had attitude. Even I knew better than to cross his path, even at 16 years old, when he believed that he was right. Sometimes I just sensed that at that moment it would not be wise to try to change his mind. He was loyal, opinionated and a fierce defender of anyone who was his friend, or that he believed was being wrongly accused. I suspect that he remained so his entire life. In the final analysis, grieve because he has gone, but thank God that he has lived. This world is a better place because he lived. We will miss him.

November 8, 2019

Truly a wonderful man, he lite up a room with his smile. Was a pleasure knowing him and his wife. His love for animals was so amazing. And there love for him shined!

TAMMY SMITH

Acquaintance

November 7, 2019

I played in a band with Bill many years ago, in Wiesbaden, Germany. Had no idea he went on to be a highly decorated marine. My prayers go out to all his family and friends.

John Atkinson

November 7, 2019

Rest In Peace Mighty Warrior!! :'(

Joy Hendrix (Hager)

November 7, 2019

It was good to know you back in Wiesbaden. I commend you on the Honors the Navy bestowed on you, and you service to OUR GREAT COUNTRY. RIP, my friend.

Rand Kiker

Advice & Support

The Five Stages of Grief

Sympathy Advice

What Is a Eulogy?

Funeral Flower Etiquette

View All Advice & Support Articles