04/03/2026
Durwood James King, known as Durwood, passed away on March 31, 2026, at his home in Hemingway, South Carolina. He was born on July 6, 1933, in Caribou, Maine, and lived a life marked by intelligence, wisdom, courage, and steadfast devotion to the people and values he held dear.
Durwood was the son of the late Forrest King and Susan Paul King. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Cook King, whom he met at Citadel Square Baptist Church in Charleston, SC. His son, Commander Lanny King; his infant sister, Bonnie King; and his brother, Garfield King also preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Layne King (Phyllis); his daughter, Lori Bleess (Layne); his daughter-in-law, Gini King Natter, and a loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and special friends, Terry and Kathy Smith, who will all carry forward his memory with pride and gratitude.
His grandchildren include Becci Dean (Joe), Kerri Hollar (Shane), Ritchie King (Emily Elert), Beth Erb, John Erb, and Hellen DeFreese. His great-grandchildren include Eleanor, Kate, Lillian, Ivy, Ada, Roxy, Taylor, Emily, Camden, Mitchell, Shannon, and Lexi; along with his great-great-grandchildren Nickolas, Anthony, Shelby, and Aubrey. Durwood treasured his family deeply, and his life was enriched by the generations who followed him.
Durwood answered the call to serve his country at the age of 17 when he joined the Navy. Over the course of a distinguished 20-year military career, he served aboard the USS Gherardi (DD-637), USS Ross (DD-563), USS Johnny Hutchins (DE-360), USS Gearing (DD-710), the Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Training Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the USS Bigelow (DD-942), where he retired as a Master Chief Machinist Mate. His service was recognized with the Navy Commendation Medal, five Good Conduct Awards, and numerous other campaign and service awards. His dedication, discipline, and skill reflected the very best of naval service.
After retiring from the Navy, Durwood continued to serve through his work with Santee Cooper for 20 years before retiring. He approached every responsibility with the same dependability and strong work ethic that had guided him throughout his life. Those who knew him respected his quiet strength and the example he set through years of faithful service.
Durwood was a devoted member of Center Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for numerous terms. His faith was central to his life, and he was known as a man who knew the Bible well and lived by its teachings. He and Mary worked as yearly volunteers with youth at Baptist Park Campground in Maine, sharing their time and care with younger generations. His motto, “God, Family, Navy,” reflected the priorities that shaped his days and the legacy he leaves behind.
In his personal life, Durwood was a gun enthusiast and took great interest in making and shooting his own bullets. He also enjoyed watching old Westerns and was an avid reader. His knowledge of Scripture and his thoughtful nature made him a source of wisdom and encouragement to many. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his sharp mind, and the honorable way he lived.
Funeral services with military honors will be at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Williams Hill Free Will Baptist Church, 86 Williams Hill Road, Hemingway, SC 29554. Officiating will be Rev. Doug Mathis and Rev. Dave Worthington. Burial will follow at Center Baptist Church Cemetery, 2602 Schoolhouse Drive, Hemingway, SC 29554.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Young Funeral Home, 210 East George Street, Hemingway, SC 29554.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Durwood’s memory to Baptist Park Campground, Post Office Box 498, Mapleton, Maine 04757.
Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com.
Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 933-4262
