Lt. Colonel (ret) Harrison E. “Pete” King, Jr, 81 of Valparaiso, Florida “climbed the ladder to touch the face of God” for the last time on Sunday, June 21, at Fort Walton Medical Center.
He survived by his wife, Marlene “Myke” Atwater, a son David King, former wife Virginia King, brother Walter King (wife Margaret), step children Scott, Laura and Katie Atwater, daughter in law Melissa King and grandchildren Harrison E. “Harry” King, IV and Amberlee Murphy, and great grandchildren, Anna and Jack Ehrlacher. He was predeceased by a son, Harrison E. “Eddie” King III, brother William King, and wife Linda King.
Pete grew up in Columbus, MS and graduated from Lee High School. A 1960 graduate of the Air Force Academy, Pete served as an instructor pilot, and later as an F4 Phantom fighter pilot in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. He served on a special assignment as crew communication coordinator for NASA’s Apollo7 space flight and was involved in the redesign of the space capsule after the Apollo 1 fire. He spent four years in Spain as a check pilot on special assignment. As an engineer following 20 years in the Air Force, he oversaw design and construction of various special projects related to aircraft systems. He and his wife, Linda, served as foster parents to many children.
Pete was an active volunteer in retirement, serving as treasure of the Eglin Yacht Club, a greeter at the Air Force Armament Museum, as well as an active part of Congregational Care at Crosspoint Church in Niceville. His passion was flying, and he loved to travel.
Services will be held Thursday, June 25, 2020 at Crosspoint Church in Niceville at 11am with a visitation starting at 10am. Internment will follow at Sunset Cemetery with Military Honors in Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to the Air Force Armament Museum in Shalimar, Florida.
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