Kenneth Neal King

Mr. Kenneth Neal King, Sr. was born in Winona on March 13, 1925, to Mr. Emmit and Mrs. Myrtis Bond King. He passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024, at the age of 99. Following graduation from Winona High School in 1943, Mr. King volunteered to serve his country in the United States Navy. He completed his 7 weeks basic training in San Diego, California, and began active duty on July 3, 1943. Serving on both the USS Pavo (AK-139) and the USS Hood (DD-655) with his highest rank of Machinist Mate Second Class USNR. He and his fellow sailors sailed amphibious small landing tanks carrying 30 or 40 troops at a time to invade the beaches of several South Pacific islands including Enewatak and Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and Tinian in the Northern Marshall Islands during World War II. Mr. King proudly served to uphold our freedom until he was honorably discharged on April 18, 1946. Returning to Montgomery County after discharge, Mr. King then married his beloved wife of 75 years, the late Mary Frances Bartlett King. The couple built their life in Winona where he began his long and successful career in the grocery business. Initially this began in partnership with his younger brothers at K&S Grocery where he worked as a butcher. Eventually, Piggly Wiggly came to Winona and he served as store manager for 30 years. It was here that so many recall Mr. King’s smile, his kindness, and his true love for people. Often, he served as a mentor to young boys as they came to work, many for the first time. Mr. King’s work ethic was an example to all who knew him.

While grocery was his chosen profession, he held many other titles. He served as Commissioner for the Housing Authority of Winona. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Winona where he was a lifetime deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and a devoted choir member. He continued his love of singing by singing to residents of Vaiden Community Living Center in later years. Of all the things that brought Mr. King happiness in life there was none greater than his family. He and Mrs. King were blessed with one son, Kenneth “Ken” Neal King, Jr. (Melissa). He and Ken worked side by side on many houses and projects throughout the years and made a great team. He was also a doting and ever-present grandfather to Mitch King (Jobeth) and Mary Laken King Beardain (Wesley). He cherished his time spent with them and his four great grandchildren Keathley King, Knox Beardain, Mary Harper King, and Stella Beardain. Papaw or Uncle Kenny, as he was lovingly referred to, will be missed by them as well as a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances; and nine brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following in Winona Garden of Memory in Winona. Visitation will be held from 1:00pm until service time at the funeral home. Rev. Jay Anderson will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be Mitch King, Wesley Beardain, David Ingram, Bert Mitchell, Gene McNeer, and Ricky Spence. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of his Sunday school class.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Winona, P.O. Box 408, Winona, MS 38967.