Paul Roger King, Sr.

Paul Roger King Sr., age 80, of Northfork, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at McDowell Healthcare Center in Gary, West Virginia, following a short battle with cancer.

Born in Salem, Virginia, Paul was the son of the late Oscar and Emma King. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, carrying that same sense of honor and duty throughout his life before making his longtime home in Northfork. A man built on grit, integrity, and quiet strength, he dedicated many years working underground as a coal miner. He was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), standing shoulder to shoulder with his union brothers and taking deep pride in an honest day’s labor until his well-earned retirement in 1999.

Paul had a generous heart, a sharp sense of humor, and never hesitated to help anyone in need. He was a natural jokester who could always make people laugh, with an easy smile that could instantly brighten anyone’s day. If a neighbor, friend, or stranger was having car trouble or needed a repair, Paul was the first to show up, roll up his sleeves, grab his tools, and get the engine running. He was happiest with grease on his hands, tinkering under the hood, and being useful to those around him. Down-to-earth and dependable, he cherished the simple blessings in life peaceful moments outdoors, sharing stories and laughter on the porch, and catching up with good company.

Above all, Paul was the rock of his family the steady, trusted foundation everyone turned to for guidance, comfort, and unwavering support. To know him was to know you had someone truly in your corner.

He was reunited in death with his parents, Oscar and Emma King; his beloved wife, Rema "Kay" King; his dear daughter, Mary Mitchem; and his five brothers and five sisters who passed before him.

Paul’s memory, laughter, hardworking spirit, and devotion to family will live on through his children: Paul Roger King Jr.; Darlene Darnell and husband Monte; Dan Aguire and wife Nicky; and Angie Hill and husband Chester.

He is also survived by his loving siblings: his brother George, and his sisters Liddie and Linda; as well as a host of special nieces and nephews.

He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Samantha Semones and husband Allen, Thomas Henderson, Carl Richardson III, and Devan Darnell to whom he was not just a grandfather, but their rock and go-to person throughout life. His heart held an especially tender place for his great-grandchildren Isaac Pagan, Steven Semones, Babette Semones, Conner Wilson, Ryleigh Bentley, Wyatt Perkins, and Avery Perkins—each of whom he loved very dearly. He will also be fondly remembered by his UMWA brothers, extended family members, neighbors, and friends across West Virginia and Virginia whose lives were brightened by his jokes, helping hands, and good nature.

Services honoring Paul’s life will be conducted on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, West Virginia, with Deacon Raymond Lee officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 9:00 AM, and friends are welcome to come at 10:00 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s honor to McDowell Healthcare Center in gratitude for their dedicated care and comfort.