Raymond "Jackie" Leroy King Jr. - Obituary

aymond Leroy “Jackie” King Jr. passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 81. Born at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C. on July 13, 1943, Jackie was the son of the late Raymond Leroy King Sr. and Doris Daisy King (née Balderson). He built a long and respected career as a plumber with Heffron and later John J. Kirlin and was a proud member of Plumbers Local 5. He wasn’t just good at what he did — he took pride in it and was always willing to help friends and family with their plumbing needs, even though he’d often say residential plumbing wasn’t his specialty. Jackie made his home in Davidsonville, Maryland, where he lived for 55 years. He was happiest outdoors—especially at the New Canton Hunt Club, where he was the longest-tenured member at the time of his passing, having been part of the club for over 63 years. His cousin, Billy King, and friend, Ernie Licalzi, introduced him to the hunt club, sparking a lifelong passion. Hunting wasn’t just a hobby for him; it was a way to connect with nature, with friends, and with the stories that made life rich — stories he loved to share. He also had a competitive streak and was known as one of the best horseshoe players in the neighborhood. In years past, he could often be found in a neighbor’s yard, playing with friends and turning a simple game into an afternoon of laughter and friendly rivalry. And when it came to family, Jackie never missed a chance to bring everyone together — his cookouts, his stories, and his warm smile made every gathering special. Later in life, he became deeply involved in family genealogy and enjoyed collecting coins. Jackie is survived by his loving wife, Patricia King; his sons Richard Day of Accokeek, MD; Dennis King (Grace) of Lynchburg, VA; James Day (Nancy) of West River, MD; Danny King (Patricia) of Lusby, MD; and Robert King (Laura) of Edgewater, MD. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and a great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Donald King of Forestville, MD, and Tommy King of Mint Hill, NC. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn King, and his sister, Deloris “Dory” King. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jackie’s life on June 19 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1300 West Street, Annapolis, MD. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be held immediately after the service at the church. Burial will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. Jackie will be remembered for his big heart, his sense of humor, and the way he made everyone feel like family. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who adored him, a legacy of love that will never fade, and stories that will never get old.