Edward Oakley King
Edward “Eddie” Oakley King, Jr., 79, died peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 after a brief but brave battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret King; sister, Anne King Venturino; and two brothers-in-law who he considered brothers, Lanier Guest and John Moody.
Eddie is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carol Pristou King; son, Edward “Trace” King III (Jacquie); daughter, Laura King Lynch (Joe); grandchildren, Samuel Lynch, Lainey Lynch, Ava Lynch, Oakley King, and Claire Lynch; sisters Kay Moody and Carol Lee Guest (Paul Perdue), brother-in-law Ernie Venturino, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Eddie was devoted to his wife Carol and their family. He was never happier than when the family was gathered together- for holidays or any day. He traveled near and far to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, plays, special events and band competitions. Eddie and Carol’s family reunions were legendary- highlighted by his amazing cobbler cooked in the campfire, fireworks shows, golf cart rides, tubing in the river, and crowning of the Queen of the Dump.
Eddie is a graduate of Blacksburg High School, class of 1963, and attended VPI before enlisting in the Army. He served his country in the Special Forces as a Green Beret. After leaving the army, he worked at Hart Motor Company from 1969-2021 spanning over 50 years and served countless customers, many of whom also became his dear friends.
Eddie had a heart for service and was always willing to help others. He and Carol delivered Meals on Wheels for twenty years. He was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church from 1995 until it closed at the end of 2023. Eddie served as a Trustee, was an active volunteer in the Community Outreach Program for many years, and grew his faith through worship, Sunday School, and Bible Study.
The family will receive friends during a Visitation on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10:30am at the former Trinity United Methodist Church, 305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 (parking will be available across the street at 2nd Presbyterian Church). A Graveside Service will also be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 2:00pm at SW Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Road, Dublin, VA 24084. Friends and family are invited to attend either or both events on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eddie’s honor to the Trinity Commons project at https://restorationhousing.org/donate/.
