He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, a son of the late Glover Boyd King and Nettie Hipp King.

He was employed by General Electric Company as a machine operator, retiring in 1989 following 20 years of service. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He was a member of the Grace Covenant Tabernacle and enjoyed apple farming, gardening and reading.

He is survived by his loving wife of more than 50 years, Betty Case King; one son, Boyd Leonard King Jr. of Canal Fulton, Ohio; three daughters, Laura Lee Whaley of Ridgecrest, Calif., Phyllis Goff of Brevard and Bonnie Hanson of Flat Rock; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; four brothers, Hollis King, Garland King, Blaine King, all of Flat Rock, and Dwight King, of Hendersonville; four sisters, Beulah Dildine of Hendersonville, Connie Case of Whittier, N.C., Helen Stephens of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Maria Cantrell of Columbus; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were conducted on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at Shepherd Memorial Park, with the Rev. David Templeton and Rev. D. G. Jackson officiating. Military rites were conducted by the Hubert M. Smith American Legion Post #77 and Hedrick Rhodes VFW Post #5206 and Chapter 14, DAV.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123-1718 or the donor&squo;s favorite charity.