Mr. Basil (B.R) Roosevelt King, passed away at his beloved home in Covington, Virginia, on Wednesday, November 21, 2012.
He was born April 15, 1933 in Alleghany County, the son of the late Connie Harry King and Mary Pearl Gaines King.
Born into the Great Depression alongside his parents and eight sisters and brothers, Basil worked hard to provide for their family on Pott's Creek and later in Dolly Ann Hollow.
He was a graduate and helped organize many reunions of the Covington High School class of 1950.
Except for his service in the United States Air Force, Basil very seldom traveled outside the mountains where he grew up, raised a family and worked. Both his childhood and adult life were centered in the Alleghany Highlands as he was an avid believer that "if it's not in Covington, you don't need it."
As with his parents, he honored the ethic of working 'till the day is done, the same values he instilled in his family. As a builder, he is known for much of the stonework throughout the Alleghany Highlands and also many homes and renovations.
He was also a vital part of the Westvaco "Instrument Gang" for 41 years until his retirement in 1999.
At work and home he is remembered both for his craftsmanship as well as creating a laugh with his quick wit.
An avid member of The Grace Brethren Church throughout the 50's and 60's, he did everything from repair and build both the church and its Camp Tuk-A-Way, to sing in the choir, lead Sunday School, and drive the church bus. Many of the church's children will remember Basil leading the singing on the bus as they went to camp and Vacation Bible School as well as t's "Fillin" Station for fireball treats.
In later years Basil and his family grew to love the home they built atop Valley Ridge. It and the nearby "Pickin Shed" are renown for being the venues where "BR" shared his love for music, especially gospel and old-time country, and for those who both played and listened. He also enjoyed building his home and enjoying it with the best of friends and hosting family reunions and holidays. Some of his favorite times were spent watching the wildlife, especially the abundance of deer, bear and turkeys from his mountaintop sunroom on a winter's day.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Dorothy "Dot" Fix King, as well as his sons and stepchildren.
His family legacy includes: his sons, Gregory L. King of Blacksburg, Dennis R. King and his wife, Kay of Richmond, Mason W. King and his wife, Patty of Troutville; his stepchildren, Mickey L. Craghead of Covington, Joan C. Foster and her husband, Kip of Roanoke and Jerry W. Craghead Sr. and Melissa Crowder of Covington; his grandchildren, who know him as "BAR", Lance King, Aric King, Allyssa King, Gabrielle King, Aaron King, Jerry Craghead Jr., Jeremy Craghead and Joshua Foster; and his sisters, Rae Lewis, Dreama Blake and her husband, Cecil, Glenna Thacker, sisters-in-law, Annette King and Charlotte Redmon, and brothers-in-law, Roy Lockhart Jr. and Armand J. Morelli Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
In addition to his parents, Basil was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Gerald King, Dorothy Morelli, Elva Nadine Lockhart, Wayne King and Curtis King.
The family received friends Saturday, November 24, 2012, from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. and a service celebrating his life was conducted Sunday, November 25th at 2:00 at Loving Funeral Home in Covington with the Rev. Billy Price officiating. Interment followed in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Greg King, Dennis King, Mason King, Mickey Craghead, Kip Foster, Jerry Craghead, Sr., Lance King and Jerry Craghead, Jr. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren, Warren Kegley, Dennis Harmon, Bill Kelly, Danny Vess, Hank Forbes, Harold Lacks, and Freddie Dunford.
Memorial contributions may made to Mountain Regional Hospice, P.O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 or Faith Baptist Church, 311 Jackson Street, Covington, VA 24426.
Arrangements were handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.
