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Richard Calvin King Jr. passed away on May 10, 2025, at the age of 57. He was a man who considered many places home. A resident of Littlestown, PA, he always kept a special place in his heart for Big Woods Road and his hometown of Dickerson, MD, while his soul belonged on the open highway.
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While he left this world much too soon, he lived a life that was truly full. Full of laughter, passion, dancing, driving and, above all else, love. Born in Shady Grove Hospital on September 21, 1967, he was the second youngest out of five siblings, although he would more likely have identified as the oldest son, with three older sisters and one younger brother. Even more likely, he would refer to himself as the self-appointed “clear favorite” foregoing the mention of birth order altogether. A member of the Poolesville High School class of 1986, he left school ready to dive into the workforce, starting with a job on the Savage Dairy Farm. His passion for driving soon took him into the trash industry, driving rear-load and roll-off trucks, as well as dump truck work. He alternated between these two industries over many years. It was during this time that he became a father to his own four children, what he'd likely consider the most important and meaningful job of his lifetime. In 1999 he started driving for Tumbleweed Express, and a year later purchased his own truck, a 1997 Kenworth, and continued on leased to Tumbleweed for 15 years until he proudly started his own business, R.C. King & Sons LLC in June 2014. Shortly after, he began hauling for Warwick Enterprises. At this time, he met the love of his life, the woman he had prayed for, Anissa. They proved the age old saying, “when you know, you know”, because he knew from that first introduction at their mutual friend, Nelson’s, cookout that he had found his other half. Wasting as little time as possible, he proposed in May of 2015, and they were married on August 14, 2015. The majority of his social media posts, typically more legible to their readers when he remembered to put his reading glasses on prior to writing, had a clear and common message, he loved his beautiful wife and his family above all else. In 2017, he was joined in the family business by his son, Richard III (RJ), officially putting the “son” in R.C. King & Sons, when the business became a partnership. He then bought his beloved blue Kenworth and became a staple of the trucking community. Much of his time driving down the road was spent on the phone with his daughters, son or anyone who needed a listening ear and sound advice, as he was always only a phone call away and could be counted on for anything they might need.
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While Richard was serious in his devotion to his family and his passion for his work, he balanced this with an exuberance and boyish goofiness that endeared him to everyone he met. To the chagrin of his son and the business financials, he chose his truck stops based on the people he’d run into there and not where he could get the best price for fuel, spending countless hours chatting away with the employees and his fellow truckers. He took the title of life of the party seriously. No dance floor was safe, empty or full you could find him shaking his hips, singing loudly, with a grin that took up his entire face. And he was taking you with him if you let him. Just ask any attendee of the annual Warwick Christmas party, over the years he became infamous as the one who could get the party started and the dance floor full. While he was often starting the fun, he was not hard to coax into a good time. The simple phrase of “try this” or a new bottle of moonshine from his kids could lead to a night of pure hilarity. His love of fun extended to his time with his grandchildren, who could count on Pop and Gigi’s house as a haven of safety and joy. His passion for life extended into his hobbies as well, and he was a respected member of the Thunder Guards Motorcycle Club, a Deacon at the Hosanna Community Church, and could be found often in his shop working on his 1964 Chevy II. Yet, if his life needed to be boiled down to the heart of it all, it would always come back to his undying love for his family.
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He is pre-deceased by his namesake and father, Richard C. King Sr. He leaves behind his cherished mother, Jo Ann, and beloved wife, Anissa, as well as their hoard of children and grandchildren, his siblings and his nieces and nephews. He was proud father to Lauren, Richard III (Samantha), Leanne (Vante), Kasinda (Danny), Azya, Sasha and Shawn. He adored his role as Pop to Aiden, Evan, Evalyn, Michael, Amara, Naomi, Elaina, Rilynn, Khálayla, King, Zeke, Calvin, Reagan and Brayden, and could often be found bragging about the sheer number and general brilliance of his own little army. Left with decades of fond memories that were cut too short are his siblings Rem (John), Richlyn (Ron), Rochele, and Ryan (Maria), and 13 nieces and nephews he held dear to his heart.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Andrea's House.
Celebration of Life
Friday, May 16, 2025
3:00 PM
Poolesville Baptist Church
17550 W Willard Rd
Poolesville, MD 20837
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From: Mark A. Johnson II
To the Family of Richard C. King Jr., Grace and peace to you in this time of sorrow. It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we extend our heartfelt condolences to you upon the passing of our dear brother in Christ, Richard C. King Jr. Words cannot fully express the sense of loss we feel, yet we are also grateful for the time we were blessed to share with him. Richard was more than just a friend—he was a faithful brother, a humble servant, and a cornerstone in our Parking Ministry family at Church of the Redeemer’s Frederick campus when it first began. From the early mornings and rainy Sundays to the laughter we shared while serving side by side, Richard’s joyful spirit and unwavering dedication left a lasting impact on all of us. He served faithfully for many years, always with a smile, always with grace, until he moved to Pennsylvania to begin a new chapter in marriage and family life. His presence, leadership, and warm heart made our ministry stronger and our lives richer. Though he may have moved away, he was never far from our hearts, and now his absence will be deeply felt. My wife & I mourn with you, but not without hope. We find comfort in knowing that Richard is now in the arms of our Savior, fully at peace, and surrounded by glory. His legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to inspire us and remain in our hearts always. Please know that you are in our prayers during this difficult time. May the Lord wrap you in His comfort, strengthen you with His peace, and carry you through in the days ahead. With heartfelt sympathy and love, Mark & Willy Johnson II
From: Thomas Greene
My condolences to the King family. I’m deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Richard . I meet Richard while he driving a roll off truck many years ago . Then in poolesville when our sons were playing sports together. I can honestly say say Richard was one of the nicest up beat individuals I ever meet in my life. One hell of a man. God rest his soul and God Bless all of us. Great memories my friend.
From: john warffeli
I dont have the words just so deeply saddened
From: Ozzie Peraza
To the King family, I’m so sorry for your loss.
From: Glenn Graham
An Ode to the Road Warrior The engine sleeps, the highway silent, A journey ended, a life spent diligent. The road, your home, the miles a song, Where you belonged, where you were strong. Through sun and storm, you steered with care, A tireless spirit, beyond compare. Across the states, you built your name, A legend forged, a burning flame. The dashboard lights, a memory bright, Of late-night drives, and starry night. The weight of cargo, a heavy load, But you were steadfast, on every road. Now rest your wheels, your final haul, Your legacy lives, standing tall. The trucker's heart, forever known, A hero's journey, seeds you've sown. Rest on Trucker. Rest on.
From: Alayna D Pierce
Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to friends and family of Richard (June Bug) King. A donation in your honor has been given to Andrea's House. Healing prayers, PMC and B.A.H.
From: Cheryl Williams
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All we love deeply becomes a part of us. To live in our hearts we leave behind is not to die. Richard, your kind heart and your smile will live on through others. You're gone but never forgotten. Love, Cheryl & Ed Williams
From: Michaelann Day (Rachel)
To the King families, I was totally devastated when I heard the news. Richard was so full of life and joy. Always smiling made you wonder just what he was up to, which ended up being nothing him just being Richard. As you go through this horrible tragedy as much as you needed him here God needed him more, his work here was completed. Keep your faith in God and he will see you thru. Richard fly high my friend and I will always cherish our memories when you came to our house. R.I.P.
From: The Hilton Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
From: Denny Orendorff
Loved this man and his son! Just quality guys that I always looked forward to seeing them show up at wengers. We lost a great one.
From: Deborrah C Curtis
Condolences from the Curtis family, Boyds, MD
From: RHONDA V. PALMER
May the entire King Families find comfort & peace in this time of many thoughts & emotions. May warm memories sustain you doing this trying time & days ahead . Rhonda Palmer (Brian Williams My Other Son)
From: Ronnie, Angie, Renee, Harry
We are deeply sorry to hear of Richard's passing. Cargill Harrisonburg Va Feed Mill sends our deepest condolences.
From: Sammy
We are deeply sorry for your loss
From: The Valentine Family
We want to send our deepest condolences to the entire family. We love you all, and we continue to hold you in our prayers. Richard's legacy will live on, and his gentle and kind heart will forever be remembered. Anisa, we love you!! God bless you!!
From: Susan Kemp
Richard was a great friend and classmate. His smile brightened every room he entered. He was certainly the class clown and made so many of us laugh until it hurt. Richard will be sorely missed. Thinking of his family and praying for peace. There is no doubt Richard is in heaven, driving around his big truck for fun!
From: Valaree
Craig and I loved our years of raising kids together, football games cheering them on and so many years of fun. You were a true beacon Richard. Gone to soon you will always be remembered and your name carried on.