The Davidson community is remembering Dr. Lunsford Richardson King Jr., a psychiatrist who grew up in town and whose parents and sister still call it home, after his death July 27 in Wilmington at age 60.
King died of a sudden illness, surrounded by loved ones, according to a family obituary published Aug. 9 by Port City Daily. His parents, Patty and Richie King, and his sister, Mary Kim Folds, remain Davidson residents.
A Davidson childhood built on invention
Born Oct. 1, 1965, King spent his early years in Davidson building things. As a boy, he assembled his own bicycle from spare parts. It came apart on the way down a hill. He treated the crash as part of the inventive process. He also loved assembling and launching model rockets, a passion he later shared with his children, niece and nephew.
The family's obituary noted his gift for storytelling about those childhood adventures, recalling that he could bring relatives to tears laughing as he recounted mishaps "complete with sound effects."
In the ninth grade, King left Davidson for Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Virginia, where he earned the title of Senior Prefect. He went on to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and medical school, then completed his psychiatry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Career serving underserved patients
King built his psychiatric career in Wilmington, starting in private practice before joining Coastal Southeastern United Care as medical director in 2008. He continued as medical director for Southeastern Integrated Care from 2022 until his death, working to reach underserved populations struggling with mental health issues, including addiction.
The family described him as a brilliant and compassionate doctor whose patients have described him as someone who saved their lives.
He is survived by his three daughters, Ella Grace King, Alice Talbot King and Kate Richardson King, along with his parents and sister in Davidson, niece Mary Folds of Davidson, and nephew James Folds of Charlotte.
Memorial service
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 S. College Road, Wilmington. Family will greet visitors following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Upcoming Davidson community events
- Tuesday, Aug. 11: Board of Commissioners meeting, 6 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 251 South Street
- Thursday, Aug. 13: Wine Down Wednesday on South Main, 6:30 p.m., 416 C South Main Street
- Saturday, Aug. 15: DeStress Davidson, 11 a.m., Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
