Roger Leslie King, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away peacefully April 10, 2019 in his home in Wake Forest, N.C. after a seven-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Karen; his two daughters, Tessa Baker and Molly King; his son-in-law, Nathan Baker; and his granddaughter, Chyella Baker, as well as his brother, Randall King; his sister, Betty Marie (“Ree”) Westfahl; and his brother-in-law, Butch Westfahl; and their children and grandchildren.
Roger and Karen’s marriage was a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Their life together, including Roger’s final struggle with Alzheimer's, was a daily demonstration of the love and forgiveness only possible through Jesus Christ.
Roger worked as a draftsman throughout his career and delighted in explaining why buildings were built this way or that. He worked with several engineering firms in Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Fernandina Beach, Fla., as well as at Rayonier Advanced Materials. He was a talented woodworker, sailing enthusiast, and avid bike rider.
Roger and Karen were long-standing members of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, where Roger served as a deacon, nursery worker, and a crew chief on World Changers Mission Trips.
We’ll miss our Roger! This was a man who would lift his daughter on his shoulders to put the star on top of the Christmas tree – even when she was 10 years old! He was an amazing daddy of daughters, allowing his girls as toddlers to fix his hair and dress him up. Even into his final weeks, he delighted in his granddaughter’s laughter. Roger was one of the quietest and most tenderhearted men we’ve ever known. In 1996, Jesus saved that quiet, tender heart, and Roger gave his life to Christ. We know he’s in heaven now and can’t wait to join him there!
The family received friends from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019 at their home in Wake Forest. There was also a memorial service at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors