David Lee King, 63, Pastor of the Argillite United Methodist Church, passed away, Thursday, December 25, 2014. A resident of Greenup County, Mr. King, the son of the late Glen King and Neva Ferguson King, was reared by his mother and step-father, the late Melvin Daniels.
David is survived by his wife, Margaret Blackwell King; a son, Travis King, his wife, Staci and their daughter, Autumn of Raceland; and, a daughter Tara Ware, and her children, Allie and Andrew of Winchester.
In addition to serving as the pastor of the Argillite United Methodist Church, David was a member of Advance Memorial UMC.
A 1969 Russell High School graduate, Dave served in the U.S. Army from 1971-1973. Mr. King began his career with the US Postal Service in Greenup, Kentucky then transferred to the Ironton, Ohio office where he became active in the union and served for many years as the State Steward of the Ohio Rural Letter Carriers until his retirement in 2009.
A few months after his retirement, David was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This diagnosis did not deter him from continuing to serve the Lord and help his fellow man. Dave went on to complete the Pastoral Ministry School at Lindsey Wilson College and received his ministerial license through the United Methodist Church; he began the Summer Lunch Program at Advance Memorial UMC; volunteered at the Hike Against Hunger held at Greenbo State Park; participated annually in the American Cancer Societys Relay for Life ; volunteered at the 2013 Remote Area Medical event at Greenup High School; served on the Board of Helping Hands and on the Board of River Cities Harvest. In 2011 David gave the opening prayer at the states House of Representatives.
Earlier in 2014, David was given the Commonwealth of Kentuckys Outstanding Citizen recognition for his tireless work to end hunger and feed the needy families of Greenup County and the surrounding area.
Additionally, Mr. King, participated in multiple clinical trials at the James Canter Center at Ohio State University, knowing no cure was offered for him, but in hopes that his participation would move science closer to a cure for cancer.
Additional survivors include his brother, Bernard King and his wife, Debbie; his brother, Don Daniels and his wife, Debbie; and, his sister, Dana Withrow and her husband, Mark.
Visitation will be at Advance Memorial United Methodist Church, 1007, Bellefonte Road, in Flatwoods beginning at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 28th with a memorial service beginning at 5:00 p.m. by Rev. Chris Bellow.
In-lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Davids memory and honor to Advance Memorial United Methodist Churchs building fund or River Cities Harvest, 2516 Carter Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky or to a favorite charity.
