A DEATH
HAS OCCURRED
august 21, 1942 – october 18, 2023
Willie Flem King Jr., passed away peacefully on October 18, 2023, at the age of 81. Born on August 21, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Willie Flem King Sr. and Canary (nee Perkins) King.
As a young man he dedicated his life to Christ. He was a graduate of Robert A. Taft High School. Upon graduation he served his country in the United States Air Force, where he developed his discipline, leadership skills, and work ethic. During his time in the service, he married Letitia Andrade, the mother of Lyn and Stacey. He later married Margie (nee Tenkotte) McGee in which a blended family was formed. This union lasted for 50 years until she preceded him in death. Willie dedicated his life to his family, career, and passions, leaving a legacy of love, creativity, and achievement.
After his honorable discharge, Willie pursued his passion for engineering, earning an associate degree and embarking on a successful career in the industrial sector. For over three decades, he worked diligently at Proctor and Gamble, contributing to numerous advancements within the company.
Outside of his professional life, Willie was a true renaissance man. He possessed an incredible musical talent, mastering the saxophone entirely on his own. Willie’s commitment to his craft led him to perform with various local jazz bands in addition to joining the P&G Big Band and Jazz Band, where he shared his passion with fellow colleagues.
In his leisure time, Willie indulged in his love for music by performing concerts. He was a snowbird who enjoyed going to Destin, Florida. He was an avid supporter of Cincinnati sports, cheering on the Reds and Bengals. He enjoyed playing golf and volunteering at the Jamie Farr classics in Toledo, Ohio every year. He enjoyed grilling and was a fantastic cook and everyone enjoyed his cooking.
Family was of utmost importance to Willie, who cherished his time with his children, Lyn King, Stacey King, Colleen Bell, Kelly Davis, Robert McGee, Terry McGee, and Sean McGee. He was a devoted brother to Annette Freeman and Rosemary Whitehurst. He was a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle to a host of many. He was always providing love, guidance, and support. Willie’s remarkable skills extended beyond music and cooking; he had an unparalleled ability to fix, build and remodel anything and held several patents for his creative inventions.
Willie Flem King Jr. will be remembered as a talented musician, a gifted engineer, and a warm-hearted man. His infectious laughter, warm smile, and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. His legacy as a self-taught musician, his love for his family, and his dedication to his work and hobbies will forever live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Celebration of Life for Willie Flem King Jr. will be held Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Glenview Golf Course Clubhouse, 10965 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or Matthew 25 Ministries https://m25m.org/.
Willie Flem King Jr. will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy of perseverance, creativity, and love will endure, serving as an inspiration to future generations.
“Willie was a very kind man, an extremely talented musician, and a lot of fun. I played music with him. I will miss him. I pray for his family and friends who will also remember how his light shined. I know he is now in his forever home.”
01/02/2024
“My deepest condolences to the family. We will really miss Willie in the Mason Community Band.”
01/01/2024
“I have just now learned of the passing of Willie King. I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Willie as an original member of the P&G Big Band which was formed in 1987 under the name Mr. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Willie was always very positive and made the band fun. I’ll try to attach a very early recording from 1996 where Willie performed with the band at the P&G Year End Meetings. Remembering the good times with Willie. https://youtu.be/o5gOf2c2l1M”
12/30/2023
“Prayers and condolences to the family. Willie we are going to miss you, but we will love you and keep the beautiful memories in our hearts forever.”
11/22/2023
“Rest in eternal peace Willie King. As a founding member of Saxophone Supremes Ensemble, you will truly be missed and remembered for your great musical talent on the tenor sax. We had great times together performing live music for the greater Cincinnati community. PEACE.”
11/14/2023
“To the willie king family, my deepest sympathy. Yvonne Bonnie Driessen”
10/31/2023
“We all miss and love you, and thank you for all that you done for us and especially loving all 7 of us kids unconditionally. ❤️”
10/31/2023
“Dad, I am glad God chose you to be mine and Lyn’s dad, thank you for loving us unconditionally. Thank you for all that you done for us on your limited time here on earth, before He(Jesus) called you home. You will be missed by everyone. 💞”
10/31/2023
“So sorry for your loss,you and family are in my prayers”
10/29/2023
“To the King family, may the fond memories get you thru this difficult time.”
10/29/2023
“Love to all”
10/27/2023
“Mom and I were so looking forward to your planned visit to Birmingham with Annette and Rosie. Now you are resting with our ancestors where we will have access to you forever as long as we remember and speak your name. Rest in peace and power. We love you forever. Danita Scott and Minnie King Scott, and family”
10/27/2023
“To know and love Annette was to know and love her family. Our prayers are with you and Rosie. What a blessed and wonderful legacy.”
10/27/2023
“You’ll always be sitting beside me when we play “In The Mood””
10/24/2023
“We will miss you ‘re playing in our bands. More than that we will miss the true blue friend that you were. You’ll be with us every time we play.”
10/24/2023
“Always remembered, but never forgotten.”
10/24/2023
““You will be missed””
10/23/2023
“I will miss you, but forever love you grandpa Willie. Delilah has gained a new guardian angel to love and protect her. You can play the saxophone forever for where lungs won’t grow tired ❤️”
10/22/2023
“You will truly be missed”
10/22/2023
“You will be missed”
10/22/2023
“I remember when you would visit us in ALABAMA AND MY FOUR GIRLS WERE ALWAYS EXCITED WHEN THEY WERE ON THEIR WAY TO Cincinnati”
10/22/2023
“RIP Willie 🙏🏽🙏🏽”
10/22/2023
“He was such a kind person. When he smiled he brightened the room. We will greatly miss him. Joe and Sarena Maiani”
10/22/2023
“You had let your light shine bright, dear man, thank you for your friendship. Now, be in awesome glory and joy.”
10/22/2023
“Willie was one of the sweetest, kindest people we have met. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. We will continue to pray for your family.”
10/22/2023
“I was always at the King household as a teen .I knew him also as Tolum. He used also tease my sister Annette and I all the time as a teenage boy would do.With Rebel, the dog and all of us at the King house it was a very special time in my life. What I do know is to be absent from the body is to present with the Lord. We will see you on the other side!”
10/22/2023
“One of my favorite people! Forever in my ♥️.”
10/22/2023
“To Willie’s family, We send our love, sympathy, and prayers. What an Amazing man and P&G friend Willie was. A Beautiful Life to be celebrated. God Bless you all and may God provide you strength and comfort. With Love, Joan Gentry Sledge”
10/22/2023
“RIP you will be miss.”
10/22/2023
“I will miss you so much Uncle Willy. I cherish the memories that I have of you. Love you!”
10/22/2023
“Comfort & blessings to you all. A wonderful life well lived. 🙏🏾”
10/22/2023
“I am going to miss you so much Uncle Willy. I cherish the memories that I had with you. I look forward to that cup of coffee that we will share on the other side! ❤️”
10/22/2023
“My prayers and condolences to the family of my dear friend, Annette, Willie’s sister. RIH🙏🏾🙏🏾”
10/22/2023
“Brother was a kind, generous and gentle man. He is loved and will be missed.”
10/22/2023
“Loving cousin you were and are a Blessed Man. God is able to see us through. It is time for you to rest. Love 💘 you as We All do. Well done Faithful Servant. Your Cousin Regina Webb-Dixon.”
10/22/2023
“RIP dear nephew your grandfather will hold you in his arms.”
10/22/2023
“I am going to miss you my dear brother and friend. Love you forever”
10/22/2023
“Love and miss you.”
10/21/2023
“My brother-in-law will be missed, but never forgotten he was intelligent, and very humble man I learned a lot from Wille over the pass years”
10/21/2023
“Love you, my brother, you will forever be in my heart.”
10/21/2023
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