"A Celebration of Life" for William James King

William James King, aka Bill or Billy to some, was born in Detroit, MI on April 29, 1955 to Patricia and Donald King.  On May 16, 2024 Bill hopped on and rode his bicycle right up to Heaven into the loving arms of his parents as well as other family and friends that have passed on before him.

Bill has said he remembered coming home from the hospital after his birth.  It was a hot day in May, so his parents decided to stop at A&W for a refreshing root beer.  Bill clearly remembered counting the tiny holes in the fabric ceiling of their 1950's car.  It was such an outrageous tale, we never thought to ask him how many he counted.

Bill loved his childhood growing up in the southwest neighborhood of Detroit near Vernor and Junction.  He was a quiet, however, wily child often only talking to his beloved dad.  Imagine his mother's surprise when she went to his kindergarten one day fearing he was cowering somewhere in a corner to find him in the classroom jumping from chair to chair.

Bill attended the Holy Redeemer school in southwest Detroit through the 9 ^th grade.  He was baptized, confirmed and served as an alter boy at the Most Holy Redeemer parish.

Bill was a Boy Scout for several years participating in numerous camping and canoeing trips . He gained a fondness (NOT) for the Atlantic Ocean when on one particular scouting trip to the east coast, he was stung by a jellyfish.

After the family moved to the suburbs, namely Livonia, Bill worked several minimum wage jobs at McDonalds, Rocko's Pizza and Stem's Auto Parts.  He graduated from Franklin High School in 1973 and attended one year at Henry Ford Community College in the Accounting program.  He ultimately obtained his Associate degree from Schoolcraft College in Law Enforcement in 1977.

Bill held various jobs throughout his adult life before retiring from the workforce. Memorable jobs include Livonia Police Officer, Realtor, and lastly as an Operations Administrator at a Money Management firm.  Of course, his favorite "job" was RETIREMENT!

Bill met his one and only "bride", Gina, as she was moonlighting at the Box Bar in Plymouth.  His family knew Gina was the "one" when he didn't break up with her right before her birthday.  Bill and Gina married in October of 1983 and celebrated their 40 ^th Wedding Anniversary in 2023.

Bill was surrounded by eight, yes, count them eight siblings that survive him today.  Donald (Don) King, Robert (Bob) King, Susan (Sue) Meyer, Marion Loftis, David King, Thomas (Tom) King, Kathryn (Kathy) Aubrey and James (Jim) King.  He is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Those of us that had the pleasure to know Bill will miss his quick wit, and often dry sense of humor.  He would do almost anything for his family and friends.

Bill, until we meet again someday, we LOVE and MISS you!

For those that are interested, Bill's favorite charity is Tunnel to Towers (T2T.org)