Rayford King

KING - Rayford Lee King age 70 died Sunday, September 24, 2017. He was preceded in death by his father Samuel King Sr., mother Joyce Carroll and stepfather Eugene Carroll; siblings, Randall King, Dixie Hubbard, Tonya Cowgill and Michael Carroll. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Carol King of Rockford, MI; children, Kimberly Ann Numbers, Samuel Robert King, Natalie Jeanine King, Michelle (Kim) Covington; several grandchildren; several great grandchildren; siblings, Samuel King Jr., Patricia (Kenneth) Kelly, Samia (Wayne) Shriner, Darnell (Paula) King, Jennifer (Byron) George, Priscilla (Marc) Schultz, Cynthia King, Patrick Carroll and Tammy Harms. In 1965 Ray joined the Navy reporting to basic training at Great Lakes, IL. As an interior communications specialist he served aboard the USS Essex (CBA9), the USS Thuben (AKA19) and the USS Middlesex (LST983). Following his service aboard these and other vessels, Ray entered the Navy Reserve serving in Indiana, South Dakota and Michigan. He recalled to active duty as a career counselor recruiter in Jacksonville, FL and Great Lakes, IL and retired in 2000 as a Chief Petty Officer. A highly decorated Navy Chief, Ray was the recipient of the Commendation Medal, the Achievement Medal (3) and numerous others including the Gold Wreath Award for Excellence in Recruiting. Chief King received his MS in Education and was a devoted husband, father, sailor, teacher and trainer. He was a proud member of the Fleet Reserve Association, an avid reader, a committed volunteer for veterans and enjoyed the sites of America from his Harley. A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 15 to begin promptly at 2:00 pm, Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids, MI. Reception to immediately follow. Parking is available on the streets surrounding the church, and in the Grand Rapids Community College ramp just northeast of our building - see the church website for further information. In lieu of flowers the family invites memorial contributions to the Fisher House or Saint Mary's Hospital Foundation. Arrangements being made by and guestbook available on the Stegenga Funeral Chapel website. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rayford L. King please visit our Sympathy Store.