Ralph Edward King

Ralph Edward King was surrounded by his family as he peacefully went home to be with the Lord on December 21, 2016.  Ralph, a long-time resident of Ocala, was born October 15, 1934 in Sanford, Florida to Roy and Edna King.  He was preceded in his home-going by his loving wife of 58 years, Samelia Cooper King, and was survived by their daughter Kristie King Jenkins, son-in-law Layne Jenkins, granddaughters Taylor Jenkins Thomas (Sean) and Shelbi Jenkins, great-granddaughter Kennedy and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph graduated from Ocala High School in 1953.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, North Carolina where he was in the Business Club, the Band and Vice-President of Sigma Pi fraternity.  Following college, he became a bookkeeper for Main Street Motors for 20 years and later retired from the Department of Revenue for the State of Florida after working as an auditor for over 20 years.

Ralph was known by his family and friends as someone who always put others before himself.  His desire to serve others led him to be a member of the United States Army Reserves, a Sergeant in the Ocala Police Reserves and a member of the Ocala Elks Club as well as the First Baptist Church of Ocala where he served on the benevolence committee.

Ralph was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.  He loved others unconditionally and had a special quality of always seeing the positive in others without finding faults.  He leaves a legacy of kindness to all those who knew him well.

He will be greatly missed.