Raymond Lee King, Jr.

Raymond Lee King, Jr. passed away unexpectedly the morning of January 26, 2023, at the age of 77. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed. Known to some as Ray, others R.L., he was a giant of a man with an unwavering love and testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

R.L. was born July 16, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Raymond Lee and Amy Wagstaff King. He grew up in Kaysville, Utah; Mesa, Arizona; and Southern California. After graduating from Davis High School at the age of 16, he attended Weber State College. He chose to enlist in the Navy in 1962 and proudly served our country for four years during the Vietnam War. He was an aviation anti-submarine warfare technician and flew from naval aircraft carriers and land bases as a qualified Flight Crew member. This began his lifelong love of aviation.

After his military service, R.L. dated Chyrl Hatch, building on their earlier acquaintance. They were married on March 17, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple. R.L. was always a gentleman; he opened the car door and every door for Chyrl throughout their entire relationship.

Through his working career, R.L. held various positions with the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration, primarily as an electronics technician. He retired after a combined 37 and a half years of service. After retiring he began a second career with Davis County, performing automobile safety and emissions inspections for the Environmental Health Division for over 10 years.

R.L. was an avid sports fan. In his younger years he was avidly involved with church ball. Whether it was softball or basketball, he loved it. In high school he played tennis, ran track, and also swam. When he was young, he loved playing sports, and as he got older, he loved watching them. He loved to watch football or basketball games at Davis High, and he never missed a BYU football or basketball game. His blood and his clothing were only True Blue! We can’t forget baseball—he was an LA Dodger fan through and through. As a young boy, he would stay up in his bed with the radio turned down low listening to Vin Scully call the Dodgers games.

R.L. loved to read, especially history and particularly military history. He also loved everything about aviation. After his retirement, Chyrl gave him the gift of flight lessons, and he obtained his pilot’s license. He was fascinated with air travel and loved to fly. At a glance, he could tell you exactly what airplanes were flying by, military or civilian.

Always a hard worker, R.L. taught by example. He could fix almost anything and meticulously maintained his home. He loved to figure out how things worked. He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in Elders quorums, High Priest groups, bishoprics, high councils, and in Ward and Stake Missions. He loved the Boy Scouts of America. He served as a Scoutmaster, attended Wood Badge, and was a merit badge counselor for years. He was a true disciple of Christ, serving his family, his neighbors, and his ward. He loved to read and study the scriptures, and he loved to teach the gospel. He blessed his family through honoring his priesthood. We are thankful for our knowledge and belief that we will be together forever and we will see R.L. again.

R.L. is survived by his loving and steadfast wife of 55 years, Chyrl, his children Paul (Anna) King of Provo, Utah; Stephanie (Nathan) Billeter of Millcreek, Utah; and Jonathan (Amanda) King of San Antonio, Texas; and eleven of the smartest, funniest, and greatest grandkids.  Thanks Dad for loving our mom, teaching us to stand for what is right and for never letting us beat you in Aggravation. Till we meet again, we love you!

The family will hold a private graveside service with interment in the Kaysville City Cemetery.

Services under the direction of Lindquist's Layton Mortuary.