Wilkie King

Wilkie King, 84, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Carolina East Medical Center. 

A funeral service to honor Wilkie’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, February 9th at Munden Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. 

Wilkie, born on June 11, 1940, in Asheville, NC, was the cherished son of the late Wilkie Charles Surrett and Alice King.

A decorated Vietnam veteran, Wilke honorably served in the United States Coast Guard for 23 years, completing two tours in Vietnam. After his distinguished military career, Wilkie dedicated an additional 23 years to Civil Service at Cherry Point, where he was known for his commitment and work ethic.

In his younger years, he enjoyed roller skating and had many happy memories from his time spent at the roller rink. Wilkie was known for his compassionate nature, especially towards children, and served as an active Boy Scout leader, making a positive impact on many young lives.

Wilkie's passion for cooking in the Coast Guard as Chief Petty Officer and Cook led him to pursue formal training at two chef schools. His culinary skills and engaging personality resulted in an offer for his own cooking show, which he graciously declined, preferring the happiness he found in cooking for family and friends.

Wilkie was a dedicated individual known for his selflessness, kindness, and willingness to help others at every opportunity. He will be remembered as a man of faith, deeply patriotic, and a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. Wilkie leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will be cherished by all who knew him. 

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ruth King; daughter, Shelia Burleson (Craig) of Alpharetta, GA; son, Leslie King; grandchildren, Brandon King, Brianna King, Elijah King, Mathew Burleson, Aaron Burleson, Emily Burleson, Joshua Burleson, Rachael Burleson, and Abigail Burleson; and great-grandchildren, Ella, Aura, and Grayson.

In addition to his parents, Wilkie was preceded in death by his sisters, Sophia White and June King; and brothers, Sam King and William King. 

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.