Willard Thomas (Tommy) King, 73, of Palatka passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his residence in Palatka, on Monday, December 27, 2021.Tommy was born in Palatka and graduated from Palatka High School and attended St. Johns River Junior College. After managing jewelry stores and owning a bar in Palatka, he moved to Burlington, Iowa for a short time where he managed a jewelry store for Zales Corporation. Upon returning to Palatka, he became a realtor for Simpson Realty, then Kevin Durscher Realty and then Modern Realty owned by Larisa Rickets-Owens. He remained in real estate for the rest of his life and enjoyed the opportunity it gave him to meet people. Tommy was an avid Florida Gator fan and attended all types of Gator sports events. He particularly enjoyed road trips to football games and talking about recruiting with his friends. Tommy’s other great joy in life was travel. Throughout his life, he took vacations and cruises to all corners of the world visiting more than 50 countries and almost every state. He was a longtime member of the Elks and Moose lodges and served as treasurer and chaplain of the Elks Lodge. Tommy had many close friends in the Palatka area. He never met a stranger. His easygoing nature and ever-present smile will be missed by all.
He is preceded in death by his father James (Jay) William King; mother, Winifred (Winni) King; brother William (Billy) King; brother, Miles King.
He is survived by his companion of 8 years, Denise Nakanishi of Hilo, Hawaii and Palatka; daughter Lisa Edwards and grandson Joshua Edwards of Jacksonville who loved and adored him; first cousin, John Berry Davis (Kelly) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Uncle Emerson King of Jacksonville; and many cousins close to his heart and friends too numerous to mention.
In keeping with Tommy’s wishes, in lieu of a funeral service, there will be a celebration of life held at a place and time to be announced later.
Memories and condolences may be expressed at Tommy’s book of memories page at www.johnsonoverturffurnerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.