DURHAM - Archie Samuel "Sam" King, 58, passed away on December 4, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. Sam was born on January 16, 1952 in Winston-Salem, NC. He was pre-deceased by his maternal grandparents, Samuel and Hattie Williard, and his paternal grandparents, Numa Archie and Bessie King. Sam graduated from RJ Reynolds High School in 1969 and received a BA from Elon College in 1973. In addition, he earned a Certified Heath Consultant license from Purdue University in 1990. After he became married to Mary Louise Pearce in 1979, he relocated to Aberdeen, NC until 1989 when he moved to Durham. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and his faith was an important part of his life. Sam was employed with Coventry Healthcare until March, 2009 when he became disabled. He was very well respected in his field because of his ongoing commitment to his career and the many lasting relationships he developed with his colleagues in the health and life insurance industry. He was a member and past President of the Triangle Associates of Heath Underwriters and served on the Board of Directors. Sam won many sales awards for excellence during his 30 year career. Sam's favorite pastimes were his love of golf, playing his banjo and spending time with family and friends, many of which he had known since elementary school. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Mary Louise Pearce King, two daughters, Wendy King Elder and husband, Michael of Durham; Ashley King of Raleigh; parents James and Betty King of Winston-Salem; sister, Kim King Long and husband, Kimbrough, nephews, Matthew and Joseph Long of Harrisburg, NC; and sister-in-law, Anne Pearce of New Bern, NC. A Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. on Dec. 8, 2010 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with the Reverend Doug Lain officiating. A private burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem. Friends may visit from 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Duke Home Health and Hospice as well as Dr. Daniel George, and staff and Dr. Bryant Inman and staff at the Private Diagnostic Clinic. In addition, the family would like to thank the many friends who donated their time and unselfishly helped the family during the duration of Sam's illness. Memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1320 Umstead Road, Durham, NC 27712 or Duke Home Health and Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Durham, NC 27704 The King family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.

Published in Winston-Salem Journal on December 6, 2010