Thomas "Tommy" Wayne King

ELON – Thomas Wayne King, 73, of Elon, passed away October 14, 2025. He was born April 20, 1952 in Roanoke Rapids. He was the son to the late Lillie Champion King and Herbert Glenn King, Sr.

Tommy was formerly employed with Heilig-Myers Furniture Store and retired after 28 years.

He loved to play golf, was an avid member of the N. C. State Wolfpack Club, and also a member of Ducks Unlimited. A sports fan of all types, he attended over 40 ACC Tournaments and several Final Fours, never meeting a stranger because each stranger became a friend. He enjoyed tailgating with friends and family. He also enjoyed numerous Super Bowls and was a Washington Redskins fan. Travelling was Tommy’s favorite hobby and he and his wife were able to visit all but five states in their travels together. Las Vegas was a popular destination for them and they had many friends there.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of J. M White Funeral Home by Rev. Bill Haley.

Tommy is survived by his wife, his high school sweetheart, Darlene Turner, who he married on August 22, 1971; also surviving are nieces and nephews, Herbert Glenn King III and wife Betty; Kay Digh; Bob King and wife Carolyn; Cindy Mason and husband John; Shelley Tinsley and husband Mike; Bradley King and wife Deanna; Stacy King and wife Andrea; Angela McCracken and husband David; two God-children, Janna Pavlina and husband Andy, and Jared Peacock and wife Sarah; many great nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and his beloved dogs, Lacy Jane and Buddy Boy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by four brothers, Herbert King, Jr., “L.C.” King, Payton King, and William King; and two nephews, Tony King and Greg King.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at J.M. White Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Burlington Animal Services Pet Adoption and Resource Center, 221 Stone Quarry Road, Burlington, NC 27217.