A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of Marvin Ellis King and Ethel Cook King.  He was a graduate of Belwood High School.

While working one summer doing rock and veneer work at St. Peters United Methodist Church, he was drafted into the US Army where he served for three and a half years during World War II, including two years in Europe.  He eventually attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded three Bronze Stars.

After the war, Hugh returned home to marry his sweetheart of four years, Essie Huffman.  They built a house in Belwood.

Hugh served on the local school board for four years, Boy Scout Troop #413 (where he volunteered for twelve years), on the town council for eighteen years and on the Planning and Development Board of Isothermal College.  He joined St. Peters United Methodist at an early age, serving in different capacities.

For forty years , Hugh worked at Drexel Heritage Furnishing in Morganton, retiring as a parts clerk.  After retiring, he enjoyed gardening and working in his wood shop.

Preceded him in death were his parents, his wife of nearly 64 years; his sister Evelyn Keller and her husband, Jim of Morganton and his brother Earl King and his wife, Doris of Atlanta.

He is survived by his daughter, Rita Iverson and her husband, Greg of Forest Lake, Minnesota and his son Wayne King and his wife, Sandy of Belwood; four grandchildren, Emily Sharrow and husband, Ryan, Brad Iverson, Christopher King and wife, Emily and Garret King; and two great grandchildren, Cole and Grant Sharrow. Hugh loved his family.

Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday at Stamey Funeral Home, Fallston

Funeral Service: 4:00 PM, Sunday at St. Peters United Methodist Church

Officiating: Rev. Kathy Earley

Burial: will follow in St. Peter's United Methodist Church Cemetery

Memorials: May be made to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150

A guest register is available at