Walter Clarence King, Sr.

Obituary For Walter Clarence King, Sr.

Walter Clarence King, Sr., 91 of Jacksonville, FL transitioned from this life on February 7, 2026, at his residence. A native of Martinsville, VA, he was born on November 25, 1934, to the late William Henry King and Odessa Lee Williamson King. He was preceded in death by 6 brothers, Richard, Willis, Curtis, Don, Paul and William King and 4 sisters, Elizabeth Williams, Joanna Brooks, Mary Alice Napier and Matilda Williamson.

In his early 20s, Walter worked at Lester Brothers as a lumberyard worker before he left Martinsville, VA and relocated to Ossining, NY where he began his career as an auto mechanic working for Mt. Kisco Ford. He worked at Mt. Kisco Ford for many years before deciding to open his own gas station and auto repair shop known as “King Shell” in Mt. Kisco, NY. Three years later, King Shell relocated to Ossining, NY and was in business for more than 30 years. In 2006, Walter retired and sold the family business to his son, Walter King, Jr.

Walter received the following awards while he owned and operated his gas station and repair shop:

1969 – 2000 Shell Oil Company Award in recognition of 31 years of continuous and dedicated service

2002 – NAACP Ossining, NY Branch in recognition and appreciation of outstanding support and services to the community

Walter gave his life to God in the early ‘70s and was baptized at Bethel Baptist Church in Mt. Kisco, NY. He attended St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL with his wife, Francis. His favorite song was “Rough Side of the Mountain,” which he would sing or hum daily. Walter enjoyed playing golf, pool and cruising with family and friends.

In 2011, Walter relocated from Martinsville, VA to Jacksonville, FL. He was active in the Senior Center in Jacksonville, FL. He loved traveling to Atlantic City, NJ and Biloxi, MS casinos to play the slots.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 48 years, Frances A. King, 2 daughters, Virginia Reina Bevier (Richard – d), Velvee Lee Falconer (Kevin), 3 sons, Walter Clarence King, Jr. (Joan), William Earl King (Lynette) and Warren Ambassador King (Sharon), 2 bonus daughters, Carmen Scott and Virginia Eldridge, 3 sisters, Doris Wade (Edward – d), Shirley Dallas (Bruce – d), Brenda Fuller (Michael) and 1 brother, Charles King (Geraldine), 18 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 8 brother-in-laws, 8 sister-in-laws and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A family visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 noon at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA 24112. The burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.

Send flowers to the service of Walter Clarence King, Sr.