Charles L. KING

SMITHFIELD – Charles "Chuck” Lankford King, 73, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Born in Emporia, Va., Chuck was the son of the late George R. and Willie Mae Lankford King. He proudly served his country for fourteen years, first in the U.S. Army Reserves and, then, in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Conflict and received the Campaign Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Chuck had lived in Smithfield most of his life and was an automotive mechanic with Gwaltney Motor Company, later Pomoco Motors where he retired after 25 years of service. He was always active in the American Legion Post #47 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8545. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was passionate about woodworking.

In addition to his parents, Chuck is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Cress King.

He leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Harold L. King and his wife, Kristine of Smithfield and Charles Scott King and his wife, Bessie, of Newport News; four grandchildren, Chelsea Noel King, Katlyn Michelle King, Fallon Alexis King and Carson Dane King; his brother, Lester R. King and his wife, Jewel of Emporia.