Eliot - Fred F. King Jr, 88 of Kenley Lane in Eliot passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
Fred or "Jim or Jimmy" as he was known to his close friends and family was born in Claremont, New Hampshire on January 28, 1933, the son of the late Fred F. Sr. and Ruby (Rogers) King .
Fred graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont, New Hampshire in 1951 and continued his education graduating from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont in 1955.
Fred was affectionately known as "Dinger" to his closest friends from his college years.
Fred received his commission from the Army at graduation as a second Lieutenant and served his
country here and abroad until 1958 when he was honorably discharged.
He continued serving his country at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine and retired in 1986. Fred started his career as an engineer in the Design Division specializing in torpedo handling equipment at a time when the Shipyard was actively involved in construction of new submarines.
He concluded his career as the Logistics Manager for the Naval Sea Systems Command Detachment, Planning and Engineering for Repairs and Alterations of Submarines (PERA SS) which provided for maintenance and modernization planning for United States Navy submarines worldwide.
Fred married his loving wife of sixty-five years, Beverly Dunbar of Windsor, Vermont on March 10, 1956. They made their home together in Eliot, Maine in 1958 on State Road. Then in 1963, Fred and Beverly purchased the former Hanscom Family farm (Clover Farm) on Main Street which they proudly owned for 52 years. Fred loved his home, Clover Farm, where he created lifelong memories with family and friends. Fourth of July celebrations, listening to Dixieland music, tinkering in the barns and sharing old stories of him and his buddies shenanigans were some of his favorite things to do.
Fred and Beverly founded and operated Clover Farm Barn Sales and Antiques in 1971 at their home on Main Street where Fred remained active in the business up until his passing.
Fred was an involved member of his community and served the town of Eliot for 27 years in many capacities including Board of Selectmen, Zoning Board of Appeals, Budget Committee, Planning Board and School Board. He enjoyed volunteering his time to coaching youth sports teams that his son Jason and daughter Monica played on including basketball, softball and little league.
Fred was one of 4 siblings, Margaret (King) Gooding deceased, and Olive (King) Sutton deceased and Barbara (King) Bessey. Fred is survived by his wife Beverly; his son, Jason King and his wife Cristina (Jacques) King, their two children, Samson King (son) and fiancé, Lauren Sava, and Erika King (daughter); Daughter Monica King and her three children, Chloe Smedley, Reilly Smedley, Allison Howe and husband Matthew Howe, three great granddaughters, Raeia, Vera and Isla Howe and numerous generations of nieces and nephews. Fred made many friends during his long and full life. They will miss him dearly. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Fred in the Spring of 2022.