Mr. Henry Lee King

UTICA - Mr. Henry Lee King, age 65, went home to heaven and was received into the arms of his wife and son on Sunday, September 16, 2018 when he passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of his home. Born in Marked Tree, Arkansas on January 30, 1953, Henry was the son of the late Eddie and Georgia (Gilmore) King. On March 21, 1973 he wed the former Nancy Marie Dorsey with whom he shared 35 years prior to her passing on March 6, 2008. Their marriage was a real union of love; she cared for him, and he loved her to his last day. His family takes comfort in knowing they are reunited, forever. Henry began his working life with the Conrail Railroad as a cook. He then took a position at the Human Technologies Corporation. In 2002 he began working with the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Management Authority as a junior sorter. He loved his job and he did it well and with pride. He was currently still on the job and he planned to retire in January. A loving, high-spirited man, Henry always had a smile on his face. His family was his everything, and as a dad, he was a good provider and role model. He conducted himself in a way his loved ones admired and respected. Humor was a big part of his life, especially when he would re-enact professional wrestlers jumping and running around the house, … while Nancy was yelling in the background to “Cut it out!” He enjoyed eating as well as cooking, and he was good at both. He favored soul food. He enjoyed TV shows, especially Walker, Texas Ranger, the Sci-Fi Channel, and WWF where the Rock (Dwayne Johnson) was his man. He loved his automobiles. Although no one could drive them but him, he always kept his watchful and prideful eye on his cars. Henry enjoyed taking a ride with his family to the countryside, the Canal Park, Sylvan Beach for cookouts, and his favorite place to eat — Voss, where he often took his wife for a date. He was the life of the party, and he loved music and dancing. His favorite artists were Marvin Gaye, Al Green, James Brown, and Michael Jackson. The sound of these performers caused him to have his own swag. Holidays were also important and he always brought his famous mashed potatoes, with just enough lumps! Best of all, he was an involved “paw-paw”. He loved his grandbabies and treated each one with equal love. And his only great-granddaughter, Myria’Je, stole his heart! His parents and his wife led Henry to know the Lord, and once he went, he embraced the Lord’s word and the uplifting music of the congregation. Henry’s family was one of the first to praise the Lord at Friendship Baptist Church and he held a great respect for Pastor March who welcomed them to a home of worship and a community of faith and friendship. Henry is survived by his children and their loved ones, Henry Lee and Jennifer Dorsey, Sonya King, who her daddy always referred to as daughter and Paris Wilmott, and McKenzie and Amanda King. He was preceded by his son, Lamont King who was always in his heart. He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Mahleka Dorsey, Quinten Dorsey, Colby Dorsey, Ephraim Dorsey, Novelyn Dorsey; Shakyla King; Bella King, Mickey King, and Santino King; his siblings and their loves, Willie King Sr., Minnie King, Bessie Tolbert, Nannie King and Ricky Spight, Tommy King, Davy King, Janie and Henry Oliver, Donna King, Billy King, and Mae King; uncle and aunt, Fred Lee and Dorothy Gilmore who were pillars of his family; a host of many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, Dorris Miles who was a sister friend to both Henry and Nancy; and his roommates Daniel Copeland, Kenneth LaFlower, Nija (Boz) Memic and Melonie Davis. He was predeceased by his brother, Deacon Eddie “Babe” King, Jr. who passed away on May 3, 2018; his uncle, Willie James Clark; aunts, Gertrude Gilmore, and Florence Gilmore; brother-in-law, Al Tolbert, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Sandra King, and Charmaine Robinson; cousin, Cassandra Ford; and nephew, Aaron Eaddy The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the Utica Police Department, Sgt. Samuel Geddes and Officer Kayla Goldstein, and the personnel of Rescue I, for their kindness and compassion during a difficult time. Visitation will be held Monday from 10:00-12:00 noon at Friendship Baptist Church, 1004 Albany St in Utica. Henry’s Home Going Celebration will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon at the church upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Charles March officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow graveside at New Forest Cemetery.

Mr. Henry Lee King

January 30, 1953 - September 16, 2018