Ralph L. King Jr.

Ralph was born to Ralph LaQuinn King Sr. and Hattie Mae Evans King on December 25, 1952, in the Bay Hospital, Valparaiso, Okaloosa County, Florida.  He passed away from the side effects of Pancreatic Cancer on February 26, 2024, at his home in Niceville, Okaloosa, County, Florida.

As a lifelong resident of Niceville, he attended Edge Elementary, Ruckel Jr. High, and Niceville Sr. High, a member of the 1971 graduating class.  After completing his vocational training at Okaloosa-Walton Jr. College he worked for Air Conditioning Engineers in Ft. Walton Beach, FL.  It was in 1972 he began his career with the Coca-Cola Company in Niceville. Beginning behind a broom in the warehouse, Ralph worked his way up through the ranks sales, office and service technician. He became Supervisor in the Service department over NW Florida and South Alabama.  After 39 years of service, he retired in 2011 as the Service Manager for Northwest Florida.

Ralph was a lifelong member of the Niceville Baptist Church. He attended other churches in the area from time to time but his membership remained there. Ralph was an outdoorsman. He was an accomplished deer and turkey hunter and fisherman. Following in his father’s footsteps it seemed he was bound to be in search of the trophy deer or turkey or fish. He also served some time on his friend’s family shrimp boat. Acquiring great pleasure from fishing the rivers, lakes, bays, and gulf. From floundering, and deep sea fishing to throwing a cast net for mullet he loved them all.  From a boat or bank or dock, he enjoyed the fight.  

Ralph first married Terrie D Hudson, and together they had a daughter, Kalina.  In 1987 Ralph married, Melissa F Hart.  Together they raised each of their children. In 2006 Ralph became “PawPaw” with the birth of his first grandson, Brody, and again in 2021 with the birth of his second grandson, Noah. His grandsons were the light in his heart that never faded day in and day out.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents.  Surviving family members include; Spouse Melissa King, Stepson Brian James Walters and wife Melanie Harris Walters, Daughter Kalina Diane King-Wilson and husband Nicholas Foster Wilson, Grandson Brody James Walters, Grandson Noah Foster Wilson., siblings, nieces nephews and cousins.

The visitation with be held at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home from 9-11 AM, with the funeral service to be at 11 AM. Interment will be immediately following the service at Sunset Cemetery, Valparaiso, Okaloosa County, FL. Flower memorials are welcome however memorial donations to Moffitt Cancer Center are encouraged.

Arrangements are in care of Heritage Garden Funeral Home.

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