William Presley King

Sept. 12, 1928 - Jan. 1, 2012 Born in Courtland, CA, Mr. King was preceded in death by his parents, Darlene and William Harold King. He passed on January 1, 2012, in Folsom, CA after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was the loving husband of Barbara Ann Shay-King. They meet at their 40th class reunion, where their love story began and they have shared 22 years of marriage together. Mr. King is also survived by his brothers, Merrill King of Sacramento (wife Betty), and Donald King of Sacramento (wife Janett). Mr. King was a loving and devoted father to his four children, Joseph King (wife Susan) of Sacramento, Annie Pillers (husband Marvin) of Palouse, WA, Mathew King of Sacramento, and Sheilah King of Sacramento; and stepdaughter, Deborah Dahl of Auburn. The proud grandfather of eleven children, and great-grandfather of Kaylee (born on his birthday). Mr. King was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He attended McClatchy High School and graduated in 1947. He was drafted and served in the Army during the Korean War at the Hawaiian Infantry Training Center - 25th Company/20th Battalion. Mr. King worked for over 40 years in the building industry and was a master carpenter. Most of his building career was spent in the employment of Campbell Construction Company. Mr. King received a certificate from the State of California Department of Education to teach Vocational Training Classes in Building Skills. Mr. King was an active member of the Divine Savior Church and served on many committees. He was very active in the planning and building of the new church and support buildings located on the church campus. He was an usher at Divine Savior Church and active in fundraising events for the church and community. Mr. King also served the community as a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus member, and held a lifetime membership in the organization. Mr. King was always present to lend a helping hand and support everyone who was in need. He was lovingly known as 'Papa Smurf' to some, but to his grandchildren and great-grandchild he was simply 'Papa'. He was loved by many because he was so special. A viewing will be held on January 4, 2012, starting at 3:00pm at W.F. Gormley & Sons, 2015 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA. A Rosary service will follow at 6:00pm. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Mr. King's life will take place at Divine Savior Church, 9079 Greenback Lane, Orangevale, on January 5, 2012 at 12 Noon. Graveside burial services will be private.