Willie Lee King

Willie Lee “Tee” King, age 69, of Orlando, Florida, formerly of Monticello, passed away on March 4, 2026. Born on August 13, 1956, in Monticello, Florida, he was the youngest of eleven children born to James and Leona Brooks King. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings James “Ted” King Jr., Alphonso King, Mildred King, Mary King Barrington, Joseph King, and Bertha Lee Bright.

Willie grew up in Monticello, attended Jefferson County Public Schools, and graduated from Jefferson County High School. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably from 1974 to 1977. While in the Army he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1978 and remained a lifelong Seminole, taking great pride in his alma mater.

He built a long and respected career, first serving as a State Trooper, State Investigator, and Correctional Officer before devoting 18 years to Orange County Utilities Engineering in the Orlando area, from which he retired in 2025. Known for his integrity, Willie earned the admiration of colleagues and friends alike. Beyond his professional life, he was remembered as persistent, resilient, and charismatic, a gifted storyteller who could transform everyday moments into memorable tales filled with humor, warmth, and insight. He approached life with philosophical depth and was always ready to offer help to family and friends.

Willie is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn King of Orlando; daughters Valnecia King, Tamara Clark, Tameka Matthews, Azameana King, and Jenell King; sons Kendrick (Misha) King, Alex King, and Julius King; granddaughters Anecia, Suri, and Suni; sister Lois (John) Nelson; brothers Adolphus (Ollie) King, George (Daisy) King, and Dan (Dorothy) King; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and cherished friends.