Billy Wayne King

Posted on November 11, 2021

Billy Wayne King, 82, of Americus, Ga., passed away Nov. 6, 2021, in Dawson, Ga. 

Wayne was born on Oct. 25, 1939 in Greenville, S.C., to Marjorie and Lucius King. 

Upon completing high school, Wayne enlisted in the Marine Corps, attended boot camp in Paris Island, S.C., and then served his county in the reserves for six years. 

He attended Clemson University for construction and engineering classes. 

Wayne spent his lifelong career in construction, beginning as an ironworker apprentice and retiring as the site manager for FruCon Construction in Oglethorpe, Ga.

He is survived by: his loving wife of 62 years, Ellen Long King of Americus; his three sons, Troy King of Alexandria, La.; Vincent King (Tracy) of Leesburg, Ga.; Shawn King (Darci) of Americus; and a daughter, Michelle Sellers (Brian) of Toccoa, Ga.

Wayne was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and Lucius King, and two sisters, Sylvia Batson and Deanna Coleman.

Wayne’s number one focus in life was serving Christ, his family and his church.

Ellen was the love of his life. He adored his children and grandchildren.

Wayne always took the opportunity to point any and all to Christ. Wayne was a man of many God-given gifts and talents. He loved to write stories, song lyrics and compose music.

Wayne loved the piano and gospel music. He spent many hours around the piano singing with his family and friends.

He was the proud publisher of a Christian fiction novel titled, “Death of a Constitution, an American Jihad” in 2016. 

He was a gifted wood carver and carpenter, and loved using his hands to create gifts for his friends and family.

Many family Christmases Wayne would gather the family together and produce the story of the nativity with his children and grandchildren.

Wayne had a strong love for missions. With 24-plus annual trips to Honduras and Peru, he played a key role in the construction projects for churches, camps and missionary homes.

There will be a praise service on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. at Eastside Baptist Church in Americus, with visitation one hour prior to the service in the fellowship hall.

Internment will follow at 12 noon at the Andersonville National Cemetary in Andersonville, Ga. 

Donations can be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at Eastside Baptist Church 100 W Lamar St., Americus, GA 31719.