Velter Hart King, Jr.

CWO4 (Retired) Velter Hart King, Jr. passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2020 in Alexandria, VA. He was born on February 20, 1937 in Norfolk, VA to Velter H. King, Sr. and Mary (née Ross) King. Following Mary's passing in 1940, he was raised by Rebecca (née Blue) King – his cherished champion and “angel” – as he lovingly referred to her. Velter graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, VA with the class of 1955. He was a member of both the high school choir and drama. While attending Norfolk State University, he was drafted into the United States Army – becoming a missiles expert and a celebrated helicopter and airplane pilot. He served three tours of Vietnam as a rescue chopper pilot, eventually retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 after 35 years of service. Along the way, he picked up the nickname of “Joe” – as he was affectionately known by many. Velter earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Professional Aeronautics. During his final service years, he worked in the Office of the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA – overseeing more than 4,000 helicopter pilots. After retirement, Velter spent as much time as he could with family and friends - and on his beloved boat, KATRENITA, named for his three daughters. He loved conducting riverboat tours up and down the Potomac for family and friends. Velter was the oldest of six children. He is survived by siblings Velma Brown of Melbourne, FL, Milton King of Norfolk, VA, Sandra (Lamonte) Holmes of Norfolk, VA, Linda (Kevin) Barnes of Norfolk, VA and Denise Ashe of Norristown, PA. He is also survived by his six children: Amile Lamont King of Las Vegas, NV, Vatrena C. (King) King of Winters, CA, Minister Vanita C. King of Woodbridge, VA, Katarina Frunge-aTribe (Stefan Jofors-aTribe) of Stockholm, Sweden, Marcus C. King of Birmingham, AL, and Kelle King of Dothan, AL. Also left to cherish his memory are grandsons Atticus King, Coen King, Elliot Frunge-Henderson and Noah Frunge-Henderson, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Velter's sweet and generous spirit will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him – as a brilliant charmer and a fascinating storyteller. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date (to be announced).

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Velter Hart King, Jr.

October 1, 2020