Paul Vernon King Sr.

Paul Vernon King, Sr. affectionately known as Shortie was born on April 28, 1937, in Montgomery County, Maryland, to the late Robert and Cora King. He departed this life on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Holy Cross Hospital after a brief illness.  Paul married Joan King (deceased) on January 24, 1970, and from this union they had two children, Jino Matthews (George) and Paul King, III.

Paul lived his entire life in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he received his education.  He graduated from Carver High in 1955.  After graduating high school, he joined the military (US Army).  He was stationed in Ft. Hood Texas before being sent to Japan, where he learned to assemble rifles.

Paul started his career working at COOP Grocery Store then transferring to Shoppers Food Warehouse, where he worked as a stocker for over 35 years.  He was also employed at the Montgomery County Public Schools, part-time in building services for 35 years.  Paul loved music and loved his family and friends.  He was an avid fan of professional and college sports.  He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan and loved the New York Yankees.  In addition, he enjoyed college football, and tuned in every March for March Madness college basketball.  He recently gave his life to the Lord, every time you came to his house, he would have the gospel channel on or reading a scripture.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan King of 41 years, his sister Margaret Howard, brothers Gene and Robert King, son Paul King, Jr. and grandson, Joseph Jones, III.

His memory will be forever cherished by his children: Jino Matthews (George), Paul King, III, Wanda King, Songsarae King-Jones (Joseph), and Sheryl Cannon; 12 grandkids, 20 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. He also leaves a loving and devoted niece Shelley Johnson, and devoted and loving nephew, Eugene (Chuckie) King and a devoted cousin, Marshall “Jackie” Smith.  He also leaves two sons-in-law, George Matthews and Joseph Jones, Jr., three sisters in-laws, Nora Tyson, Dorothy Smith, Teresa Norine King; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. 

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