Willie King

Willie Ray “Bill” King of Midlothian, Texas, passed away on December 12, 2022, surrounded by family. He was 80 years old.

Bill was born July 19, 1942, in Bronte, Texas to Roy Debs King and Florence Permelia Joiner King. He grew up and attended school in Miles, Texas, until he joined the Army in 1961. His time in the military was mostly spent serving in Germany, where he had many adventures and loved German dark beer. He completed his service in the Army in early 1964 and on September 19, 1964, he married the love of his life, Suzanne Mechelle Smith. In 58 years of marriage, they raised two children and built a life they loved.  Most of Bill’s life was spent behind the wheel of a truck driving for Central Freight Lines and later as a Hotshot driver.  Bill loved to tell a story, and it usually got a little more exaggerated with each telling! Friends and family often came to him for life advice, and he always had a listening ear. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting, especially in the mountains of Colorado.  He swore he once hunted down and killed the rattlesnake that bit him. Bill also enjoyed sharing the life skills he had learned along the way to the next generations. He especially loved spending time with his family.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him endless joy – especially spoiling the littles with lots of chocolate!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Florence King, his brothers, Roy, Marvin, and Melvin King, and his sister, Margie Cuppes.  He is survived by his wife, Suzanne King of Midlothian, Texas; one daughter, Mechelle King Petty and husband Kenny of Midlothian, Texas; one son, Mike King of Corsicana, Texas; four grandchildren: Rebecca (Jake), Summer (Ashley), James (Monica), and Cassandra; four great-grandchildren: Kenna, LiliAnne, Logan, and Aria; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held at Wayne Boze Memorial Chapel in Waxahachie, Texas, on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 10:30am. Visitation will be at 9:30am prior to the service. Burial will be at 2pm at Robinson Cemetery in Robinson, Texas.