Thurman Franklin King
April 26, 1934 ~ October 4, 2016
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Thurman Franklin King, 83, of Fletcher, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 surrounded by his family in Asheville, North Carolina after a week-long series of complications following brain surgery. He was born April 26, 1934 to Wesley and Ida Mae King. He was retired from Ball Corporation after 33 years of service.
Thurman was "reared" on a tobacco farm in Leicester, NC. Working on cars, farm-trucks and equipment, he was self-taught and found himself ingeniously mechanically inclined. He chose to leave the family farm and started his career as an automotive mechanic in Detroit Michigan where he met his wife of 60 years, Alberta Evelyn Barrett. A no-nonsense, hard working leader, Thurman was wholly dedicated to his family.
On March 31, 1955 he married Alberta Evelyn Barrett in Wyandotte, Michigan. Thurman enjoyed winters in Florida, motorcycles, working on cars, and relaxing on Lake Keowee. His greatest love was for his wife "Alberta" that loved and cared tirelessly for him throughout his last days.
Survivors include his wife Alberta; his two sons and a daughter, Kerry King of Edneyville, Kevin King of Arden and Kandi King Shepherd of Fairview; three grandchildren, Todd King, Scott Burns, and Jessica Shepherd, and five great-grand children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; brother, Fred King; and sister, Easter Sharp.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday Oct 8, 2016 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian at 2:00 pm with Pastor Joe Hickman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the funeral home.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Kevin,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father and we are praying for your mother and entire family.
Alberta, I am so sorry to hear of ‘Tumpie’s’ passing. I think a lot of the times you all came to visit Mom in the Nursing home and what that meant to her and to us as a family. Also of his and Daddy’s relationship over the years. Our families go way back and I have very fond memories. May God give you and the family peace and comfort during this difficult time. Lots of love, Gaylen Gillespie Allen
Dear King family, I send you my sincere sympathies for the loss of your dear loved one Thurman. Losing someone we love in death is a difficult event to endure. God’s Word has provided a comforting hope for the future, for our loved ones whom we have loss in death. John 5:28,29 says, ‘Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.’ What this can mean for you is a real hope of being reunited with your dead loved ones. This reunion will take place in a beautiful Paradise on earth, where we’ll be able to fully experience the words ‘death will be no more.’ (Revelation 21:4;Psalm 37:11,29)
Dear Bert and family,
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you very much.
My dearest friends, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your father and sorely wish that I could be there to comfort and hold you. Know that your Dad is in a better place, without pain and at peace within the arms of God.
Mrs. King and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers today. You are wonderful neighbors and we will be praying for you in the days ahead.
We wish to express our sympathy to Thurman’s family.
Your King family has been our good neighbors for many years. Our daughter, Nancy, and Kandi were in the same class at TC.
We are thinking of you with prayers at this time.
Sorry for your loss