Benson King

Benson King, 86, of Morganton passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2019.  Born in Caldwell County, NC on January 24, 1932, he was the son of the late John Roby King and Zora Ella Nelson King.  Mr. King was a charter member of Faith Freewill Baptist Church where he served as a trustee and on the grounds committee.

Benson was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and had worked at Drexel and Bernhardt Furniture Companies.  He was a farmer, logger, and a well-known bee keeper for over 70 years.

Benson is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wilma “Judy” Whisnant King of the home; children, Eileen Browning (Wilburn), Jeff King (Brenda), Tim King (Phyllis), Kenneth King (Shannon), and David King, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Bonnie Browning, Brent King (Casey), Jessica White (Brandon), Lacey Benfield (Dustin), and Nathanael King; great-grandchildren, Cason King, Benson King, Blakely White, Griffin White, and Colton Benfield; sisters, Nina Loven, Evelyn Pennington, and Peggy Laxton (Ted); and sister-in-law, Geneva King.

In addition to his parents, Benson was preceded in death by a brother, Bronson King; and sisters, Ruby K. Taylor and Shirley K. McElyea.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2019 at Faith Freewill Baptist Church with Revs. Rocky Reese and Stacey Layne officiating.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Freewill Baptist Church.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.