WILMINGTON — Ernest “Butch” King Jr, 80, of Carolina Shores, NC passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington, NC. Born August 1, 1944 in Long Beach, CA, to Ernest King, Sr. and Ruth Schilawske King.
Ernie spent his early years in Massachusetts where he was the star pitcher for his little league baseball team. His family relocated to Burlington, NC where he attended Southern High School. There he met his high school sweetheart, Ruby Carol Franklin. They would run away to get married in 1963, a love story worthy of a Hallmark movie. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage, have two children and two grandchildren.
In the early years, Ernie coached his kids’ baseball and softball games. A lifelong Red Sox, Bruins and Cowboys fan, he also enjoyed flying model airplanes and over time advanced to remote control airplanes. Later he played golf, traveled, had a love for Ford vehicles and was an avid chess player. Ernie worked as an Audiovisual Specialist for the Department of Transportation and the US Customs Service and retired with 30 years of federal service.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol; daughter Monica King, son Paul King and his wife Carrie; grandsons Paul Jr and Kyle; his brother Larry King and his wife Susan. Preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Ruth King and his brother, Kenneth King.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date with family and friends.
