Kelley M. King, Jr.

Kelly M. King Jr., 75, of Clinton, South Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 26, 2026, peacefully in his home surrounded by the love of his family.

Kelly was born on April 11, 1951, to Kelly M. King Sr. and Violet Ginn King. He was a faithful member of Joanna Baptist Church in Joanna, South Carolina, where he loved sharing his faith and the Gospel through music. His faith was not simply something he talked about, it was a part of who he was and how he lived his life.

Kelly was a dedicated and faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a man who loved his family deeply and found his greatest joy in spending time with them. He especially cherished being “Papa” to his grandchildren. Some of his favorite memories were made by taking them fishing, teaching them things with his own hands, sharing stories, and simply being together.

Kelly had a love for the simple things in life. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and spending time working on his 1972 Nova. He was a man who could build, fix, restore, and create, but perhaps his greatest work was the life and legacy he built through his love for his family.

Kelly’s family finds comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and has been reunited with the love of his life, Bit and is now resting in the presence of his Lord. Though their hearts are broken by his earthly absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and hold tightly to the hope that this goodbye is only temporary.

His life was a testimony of faith, love, family, and perseverance. His music, his stories, his laughter, his hands that were always busy creating or repairing something, and most of all, his love for his family will live on through those who knew and loved him.

Kelly leaves behind a family who will carry his love and memory in their hearts: his sister, Kellene Snow; his daughters, Brandi Smith (Todd) and Kelli Farmer; and his grandchildren, Nicholas Smith (Madison); Madison Smith (Jaylan); Abi Farmer (Brandon) and Audri Tavenner (Eli).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Lois (Bit) Duncan King; his father, Kelly M. King Sr.; and his mother, Violet Ginn King.

Until we meet again, Papa. We love you, and we will carry you with us always.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Joanna First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Blake Harwell and Rev. Austin Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memory Gardens.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the Church.

To express condolences, live plants for the family and/or monetary donations may be made to Via Hospice of Laurens County, PO Box 178, Clinton, SC 29325.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the King family with services.