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William Louis (“Buddy”) King, Jr. William Louis (“Buddy”) King, Jr. left this world peacefully on December 24, 2024, as his loving wife and children showered him with love. Buddy was born on June 1, 1932, in Washington, D.C., to William Louis King, Sr. and Marie Elizabeth (Kuhnert) King and had one sister, Audrey (“Billie”) King Sullivan. Buddy lost his beloved father far too soon but maintained a wonderfully loving relationship with his mother and sister until their passing. For most of his 92 years Buddy was full of life. His vivacious spirit and terrific sense of humor were infectious. Very much a charmer, his magnetic personality and winning smile won over his dedicated wife of 71 years, Betty, and gained him many friends. Buddy and Betty shared many happy, laughter-filled years together with their children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. As a DC native, he attended and graduated from Randall Highlands Elementary School, Kramer Junior High School, and Anacostia High School. After graduation, given his mathematical aptitude and appreciation of design and mapping, he was employed by the District of Columbia Highway Department as a surveyor and worked his way up to Party Chief before retiring from the Department. Buddy was an outstanding athlete who, in his younger days, excelled in track-and-field, football, and softball, and received acclaim as well as numerous medals, ribbons, and trophies for these athletic pursuits. After retiring his track shoes, helmet, and glove, he thoroughly enjoyed his role as a well-respected Boys Club coach, providing sound guidance to many young boys, including his sons, during the course of his coaching career. He remained a sports enthusiast throughout his life, and, in his later years, you were sure to find him on the golf course with family or friends. Also a musician, he loved jazz but appreciated all types of music. It was not unusual for local musicians to ask him to “sit in” with them on the drums, which would occasionally include him singing a familiar tune or two. Until the very end music spoke to him and calmed his very being. Even in his last days he would unexpectedly break into song, to our delight, to which we would respond with a song! After bravely enduring a long illness, Buddy now rests in peace with God the Father and lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best. Buddy is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (“Betty”) King, his daughter, Dawn King, his sons, William King III and Glen King, his daughter-in-law, Joy King, and his grandchildren, Amy, Abby, Trevor, and Jeremy King.

Tributes

William Louis King Jr.

June 1, 1932 - December 24, 2024