Obituary of William M King

William Marshall “Billy” King was born on June 8, 1933 at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey.  He was the only child of Alice King Money of Palmyra, NJ and John Johnson, originally of Cheswold, DE.  John died very young, even before Billy was born.  Only in his later years did Billy discover his father’s Native roots in the Nanticoke tribe.  Billy attended schools in Palmyra and was a very active, self-aware and spirited youth who showed immense talents for football and any other sport he played.  A full college scholarship awaited, but his dreams of becoming a major player were thwarted by social restraints and racial discrimination of the times.  This experience deeply affected Billy, as fewer opportunities were granted to so many other young talents.

Billy actively served in the Army Air Corps (Special Forces) during the Korean War.  Along with serving, it was here he gained celebrity on the USA football team.  Known for his speed, keen skills and sportsmanship; they would compete and win in places along the entire Japanese mainland from Hokkaido to Nagasaki.  Upon returning home, Billy married Geraldine (Carney) King.  They settled in Palmyra, where he began a career of over thirty years with the Burlington County Bridge Commission retiring as Chief of Police. This was a role he always regarded with high esteem and honor,  Bill’s active lifestyle led to years of semiprofessional bowling.  The family grew and moved to Pennsauken into a newly built homestead.

Billy King was a man of many interests worth noting.  He held memberships and was a measurable donor of many organizations concerned with the environment and with the rights of Native Americans on a national level.  His Native roots giefted him with an eternal bond with nature and the natural world.  Throughout his adult life, two of Billy’s greatest joys were seasonal hunting in the fall and winter and fishing in the spring and summer.  There were fewer things that he enjoyed more.  Billy saw the effects of overfishing in our local waters and the sea, and this distressed him immensely during his later years.

He became a valued member of the Powhatan Renape Nation, one of three New Jersey state recognized tribes.  Billy was a tribal spokesman, served on the Elders Council and assisted with security operations during their biannual arts festival.

Billy would eventually share his life and marry Phyllis “Penni” Neiman King.  They spent many loving years together filling their home with love, devotion and happiness during the holidays and sporting events throughout the year.  Penni’s children adored Billy,  Known as Pa, they would develop very strong family ties with shared interests and love.

Billy leaves many with an enormous void never to be replaced.  His memory fixed in the hearts and minds of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of family, friends, acquaintances and well-wishers.

He is the beloved husband of Phyllis "Penni" (nee Neiman); devoted father of Donna King-Holmes (Vaughn B. Sr.), Barry Marshall King (Luis Perez), Penny King-Probasco, Michael Holmes, Corey Jay King and stepfather of Thomas P. DiLauro, Nanette M. DiLauro (Maria Denaro) and Denise Marchese; loving grandfather of Vaughn B. Holmes Jr., Dana M. Holmes, Aubree L. Holmes, Nathaniel King, Michael Probasco Jr., Ethan Holmes, Nicholas King, Anna Grace King, Nadia King, William DiLauro, Hailey DiLauro, Kristen Marie Matarese and Stacy Lee Pundock; cherished great grandfather of 8; also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to the VIsitation and Funeral on Friday, September 27 from 9 to 11 AM at the Central Baptist Church, 514 Maple Avenue, Palmyra, NJ 08065, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11:00.  Interment will follow the service at Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson.