John Stacy King passed away March 7, 2014 at his home in Swansboro. He was born in Bunn Level in 1928 to John William and Genevra Wilkinson King. 

He graduated from Atlantic Christian College and East Carolina University where he studied social studies, science and education. 

He attended the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. and served in the Navy during the Korean War. 

He was a devoted educator who began his teaching career in Northampton County and later served 30 years in Wayne County as principal of New Hope School and Eastern Wayne High School. In 1969, the N.C. Education Association and the N.C. Teachers’ Association awarded him the Terry Sanford Award for Creativity and Innovation in Teaching and Administration. 

Upon his retirement from Eastern Wayne High School in 1985, he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Governor James G. Martin for outstanding service to education.

A graveside service will be held March 9 at the Powell Cemetery in Fair Bluff. 

He is survived by his wife, Mary P. King; two sons, John Barry King of Hampstead and David Powell King of Cary; one daughter, Jane King Simpson of Swansboro; two granddaughters, Hannah and Sarah Simpson of Swansboro; one grandson, John Erik King of Goldsboro; and one nephew, Homer David King of Bryson City.

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