As John 14:2-3 says, In My Father’s House are Many Mansions; If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there Ye may be also.

On April 4, 2026, Ralph Dean King received his mansion in heaven, prior to receiving his mansion he was born on December 13, 1941, in Fries, Virginia, to the late Samuel T. King and Louise Young King. At an early age, Ralph proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Before and after his military service, he graduated from Winston-Salem University with a bachelor’s degree in education, following his military service he obtained his master’s degree from Lynchburg University, formerly known as Lynchburg College. He received numerous certifications in other fields from UVA. Ralph dedicated his life to education, spending over 30 years at Central Virgina training Center, after retiring in 1995, he continued his desire to educate as a professor at the Virginia University of Lynchburg, formerly know as Virginia Seminary, were he remained until 2019.

As a young man, Ralph met the love of his life in his hometown of Fries, Va. He married Linda Anderson in August 1969. To their Union of 56 years, there were three children. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Nelson and Sally reed; maternal grandparents Pless and Josie Young; his parents

Samuel King Sr. and Louise King; a daughter Rhonda Denise King; a son Sean Quincy King; and two brothers Samul King Jr. and William King; and one sister Marlene King Bryson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Linda King, a daughter Minister sherry King-Murrell (James); a granddaughter Chimere Slaughter; a grandson Aaron Slaughter and five great grandchildren: Zion Jones, London Fields, Cherish Fields, Simeon Fields and Ah’Mil Slaughter. He is survived by three sisters, Bobbie Ann King; Nacine King Miller and Joan King Martin (Matt); and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.