James Elwood King, Sr.

GARNER – James Elwood King, Sr., 85, peacefully met his Savior and joined his beloved wife, son and daughter on March 23, 2022. He was an active member of the Garner community for greater than 58 years and a native of Sampson County. A funeral service will he held at 12:00 pm Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Garner. The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00 prior to the service. A comital service will be held at 3:30 PM at the Matthis Family Cemetery in Clinton NC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Mary Colwell King; daughter, Glenda Ann King, son, James Elwood King, Jr.; his parents Earl Benjamin King and Mary Susan Matthis King, as well as a sister, Emma Ann Chambers and brothers, Benjamin Earl King, George Harris King and nephew; Ben King. He is survived by his daughter, Tammie Wood and husband, Bran; daughter-in-law, Anita King; grandchildren, Rebecca King; Kyle Wood and wife, Kelsey, Hunter Wood; brother, Kim Douglas King, sister n law, Janet King; and numerous nieces and nephews. He retired from State Government ending his 30-year career as Transportation Manager – Dorothea Dix Hospital. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and the Optimist Club of Garner where he held various service and leadership roles. He was affectionately referred to as “Chief” for his gift of cooking and leading kitchen teams and fundraisers. His sports enthusiast reputation of playing organized softball went well into his fifties. He was a man of actions and not words, led by example. He held deep devotion for his family, and he faithfully served his Lord, church, community, as a life well lived. It was Elwood’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to Matthis Family Cemetery c/o Kim King, 465 Futrell Pope Lane, Clinton, NC 28328 or to First Baptist Church, Library designation in memory of Mary King, 601 St. Marys Street, Garner, NC 27529.