FRANKLIN—Deacon Adolphus King of Pine Street, Franklin, Va., passed away peacefully on April 15, 2011, while a patient in MCV Hospital, Richmond, Va.

At an early age, “AD” as he was fondly called, joined Piney Grove Baptist Church, Grifton, N.C. He later joined Shiloh Baptist Church where he served as a trustee and later as an ordained deacon. “AD” also worked in the Men’s Ministry.

“AD” attended Riverside Elementary and New Bold High School in Craven County, N.C. He received a BA in education from Johnson C. Smith University. He continued his education at Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Virginia State University and Hampton University for Administration. In 1957, “AD” served his country in the United States Army.

“AD” began his teaching career in 1960 in Portsmouth, Va. In 1963, he moved to Franklin where he taught math and science at Hayden Elementary. He also taught at Hunterdale Elementary School, Ivor Elementary School and Southampton Middle School. After 39 years of service, “AD” retired as an Assistant Administrator at Southampton Middle School.

“AD” served his community and represented Ward 4 well. Some of the organizations he was associated with were Western Tidewater Community Services Board, the Ruth Camp Campbell Library Board, Elections Officer (Chief) and the Martin Luther King Center original fundraiser committee. He was instrumental in establishing the Martin Luther King Center. He was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and SCEA/NEA.

“AD” was preceded in death by his son, Shawn.

He is survived by his wife, Miss Effie, his devoted sons, Terence (April), Effran (Cassandra) and Al and Shawn’s wife, Tiffany; sister, Maggie K. Williams; grandchildren Shawndra, Aaron (Latise), Terentia, David III, Ashley, Shawn Jr., Alexander and Simone; sisters-in-law Pauline Jordan, Almuria Credle, Mattie Moore, Winifred Moore and Bessie Moore; brothers-in-law George Williams and Riley Moore Jr.; Godchildren Ciara Britt and Miranda Reid; one aunt; and many loving nephews, nieces, cousins and extended children.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2011, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 30188 Shiloh Road, Boykins, Va., with the pastor, Reverend Curtis Mitchell delivering the message of comfort. The Committal and Benediction will be in Southampton Memorial Park.

On the day of service, his remains will rest in church for viewing by 10:30 a.m.

A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by William M. Johnson and Sons Funeral Home, 224 S. Main St., Franklin, Va. Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com