Elder Willie James King was born on March 19,1936, to Larkin Dennis and Rowenia King in Uniontown, Alabama. He dedicated his life to Christ at a young age.
It's when he received a bus ticket from his uncle, is when he decided to head to Fort Wayne. His mother, grandmother and other family members would soon follow.
When he came to Fort Wayne, he married his one true love. That true love was Kina Mae Christian. The two married in holy matrimony on May 31, 1958.
From this blessed union were born six children: Wesley, Vanessa, Dennis, Angela, Tarita and Catrina.

Elder Willie was a true man of God, a family man and was always a hard worker no matter what he did in life. He was employed with numerous companies like Seyferts, Byron Health Center and BF Goodrich, where he retired after 33 years of service just to name a few. He also served as Associate Pastor at Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Sam Shade Jr.
Elder Willie would also be known as "A Jack Of All Trades". He was skilled in so many trades like plastering, painting, flooring to name a few. It's with the guidance of his Uncle Dennis, is how he learned to make 3D figures and creative art on walls and ceilings of the homes they would leave impressions on. Let's not forget he could smell great home cooked meals a mile away!
His greatest passion was the love of music and quartet singing. He was one of the lead singers in groups like "The Gospel Keys, the male chorus of Pilgrim Baptist Church, and recently The Pilgrimaires, all of Fort Wayne.
He always had a smile on his face and a personality that was so contagious, that people loved him wherever he went.
On October 25, 2024, his heavenly Father called him to his final resting place.

He leaves to cherish:
Kina Mae King, his wife, friend and confidant of 66 years.
His 6 children: Wesley King Sr.(San) California, Vanessa (Larry)Custard of Fort Wayne, Dennis King Sr. (Ellen) of California,
Angela King Harris and Tarita King both of Fort Wayne and Catrina King Thompson of Indianapolis.

10 grandchildren: Altermease Custard of Fort Wayne, Wesley Jr (Yesenia) King of California, Jeremiah (Ariell) Custard of Fort Wayne, Isaiah Custard of Fort Wayne, Sharronda Ashley King of California, Daniel Custard of Fort Wayne, E'mon Harris of Fort Wayne, Evan Harris of Fort Wayne, Justin (Kyla) Thompson of Indianapolis, and  Dennis King Jr of California

5 great grands: Donovan King of California, Na'Shon Hull Jr of California, Astro King of California, Josiah Thompson of Indianapolis, Carmelo King of California, Kianna Custard of Ft. Wayne, and Amiyah Custard of Ft. Wayne                                                                                           

5 sisters: Martha Smith, Josephine Chimney, and Catherine James all of Fort Wayne, Ora Jean Jones of Detroit , and Mary Bolton of Mobile Alabama

3 brothers: Finest Dennis, Edward Dennis both of Detroit, and Frederic (Chris) Dennis of Salem Massachusetts

2 sister in laws: Allayne Hambright of Virginia, and Denise Smith of Fort Wayne

He also leaves to cherish a host of nieces and nephews.

Elder Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Larkin Dennis and Rowenia King.
Brothers: Sam(Gladys) Smith both deceased
Madison (Martha) Smith both deceased
Robert (Jeraldean) Shearer both deceased
George Dennis and
Larkin Dennis Jr

Grandparents:
Lillie King
Jim King

A Tribute to our Dad.....
Dad,
We love you with all our hearts
And the hurt we feel will soon depart
The Bible says weeping may endure for a night
But JOY, Oh Joy! will come in the morning light.
God knew that it was time for you to rest
You ran the race and did your best.
You always gave us words to live by
And none of us could never deny
Those words that were planted like a seed
You told us to Trust and Believe!
That God was always in control
Of our minds our bodies and our souls.
So in our hearts these words we'll keep
So sleep now dad, just rest in peace.

Written by Angie Harris