MICHAEL KING

 

Michael “Mike” Clayton King, 75, of the Oakway Community, Westminster, SC, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, after suffering from brain cancer.

 

Mike was born February 8, 1948, in Anderson, SC to the late Harold Bleckley King, Sr. and Ruth Prater King.  Mike graduated from Oakway High School in 1966 and joined the Navy upon graduation.  Mike was awarded an Associate in Science Degree from the University of the State of New York in 1988.  Mike served the navy for 23 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. As a Vietnam Veteran, Mike was an Ordinance Specialist attached to the “Ghost Riders” on the USS Constellation Aircraft Carrier, 1968-1969.

 

Mike was a member of the SC Charolais Association and raised registered cattle on his Nubbin Ridge Farm.  His love of farming and animals, big and small, began when he was a young 4-H member winning many awards showing his Jersey cows.  Mike was very pleased to qualify “Century Farm” status for the family’s Nubbin Ridge Farm, in Oakway, where 3 generations of the King family, had lived and farmed since 1916.  Mike was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church.

 

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon Hudson King; children, Michael C. King, Jr. of Oakway and Shannon Rebecca Patterson, and grandchildren, Hannah Grace Patterson and William Jude Patterson of Greenwood, SC.  He is also survived by his brother, Harold B. King, Jr., (Rachel), of Wrightsville Beach, NC and sister, Julia K. Davis, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and many nephews and nieces. 

 

In addition to his parents, Michael is also preceded in death by his sister, Gerry Volberding and brother, James F. King.

 

The family would like to thank the NHC Healthcare Parklane staff of Columbia for their loving care of Mike during his final days.  Also, special thanks to the Rev. Jeremy Dean and the Bethel Church Family for their support and prayers.

 

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, at 3:00 pm, Sunday, April 2, 2023 with Rev. Jeremy Dean officiating.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm prior to the service in the fellowship hall.

 

 

The family is at their respective homes.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s memory may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 160 Bethel Church Road, Westminster, SC 29693. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com