Henry Clayton King

Henry Clayton King, 93, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday morning, November 26, 2025. Henry was the son of the late Thomas Dow and Bertha Wirt King and is predeceased by his siblings, Sherman, Versey, Reva, Harry and Charlotte as well as a son-in-law, David.
Henry loved God and his family, including his siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and Pat's siblings as well. He served in the Air Force for four years and had a very successful career with Norfolk Southern, first as a brakeman and retiring as a conductor. Henry had a strong work ethic and was a hard worker; in his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and working outdoors in his large garden and tending to his apple trees.
Henry is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Pat, who has also been his caretaker for the last seven years; daughters, Kay, Kathy (Charles), and Debbie (RJ); grandchildren, Darryl (Amy), Amanda (Evan), Julie, Ben, Joey (Jenny) and Katie (Thom); great-grandchildren, Nick, Noah, Lyla, Zoey and Edwin; as well as special friends, Wayne and Tom.
"We will remember his faith in God, the many life lessons he taught us, his love for us and all of the memories that we will cherish forever." -Henry's daughters
The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem; funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m., with David Smith officiating. Interment immediately following in Sherwood Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the VA Medical Center and to Enhabit Home Health for their kindness, care and support during this last year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Feeding Southwest Virginia.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.