Fred King

Allen F. "Fred" King, 82, of Candler, died Thursday, March 27, 2014, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center. A native of Asheville, he was a son of the late Ernest C. King and Cora Miller King. He was also preceded in death by brothers William "Bill" King, Marion "Bud" King, Jerry King, Ernest "June" King, and Jim King. Mr. King proudly served in the U.S. Army from January 1949 to January 1969 and retired as MSgt. He served in Korea twice, Germany twice, Alaska, and Vietnam. He received numerous medals including the Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant and the Good Conduct Medal with 5 stars. He loved the military and his Catholic faith. He as a member of st. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was previously a member of The Basilica of St. Lawrence. He was a wonderful husband and father. He was a good and kind man. He will be sorely missed. Mr. King is survived by his wife, Betty L. Holland King; son Donald E. King (Carlee); daughter Cyndi Williams (Steve); grandson David E. King (Jessica); granddaughter Megan King Hoppingarner (Brett); special granddaughter Siera Williams and grandson Spencer Williams; great-grandson Jaxon Lanning; sisters Virginia Taylor, Betty Lister, and Barbara Luther; brother Bob King; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fr. Dean Cesa officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service. Memorials may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 768 Asbury Rd., Candler, NC 28715. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.