Funeral held for popular Bognor man

A true Bognorian, who was often seen cycling around the town, has passed away at the age of 98.

The funeral for William King '“ usually known as Bill or Will '“ will take place at 10am tomorrow (Friday, January 9) at Chichester Crematorium.

One of his daughters, Joan Nash, said: "He was a kind and gentle family man. He was still riding his bike at 90 and could be seen around the town or going back and forth to Tesco's."

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Will was the last survivor of a family of four girls and six boys in spite of being the eldest of the boys. He was born in Bognor in March, 1910 and attended the old St Mary's School. His first job was at the Dutton and Thoroughgood shoe shop in the town where he learnt the art of snobbing, or shoe repairer. A few months later, he joined Stayey's department store as a driver.

He worked there until the second world war began in 1939 when he was enlisted into the Wiltshire Regiment. He was sent to Burma for four years to leave his wife, Edie, to bring up two small girls '“ Peggy and Joan '“ on her own. The couple had married in Clarence Road in 1930. VE Day was a time of special rejoicing in their household when Will returned to the family's home in Hawthorn Road in which Edie had been born.

His work took him to the local laundry as a driver. In his spare time, Will was a keen footballer before and after the war. He played centre-half for Bognor Regis Wednesdays during their very successful seasons.

The large number of medals he won gave him as much pride as his war medals. He also enjoyed golf, belonging to the Artisans and caddied for Mr Staley as well as solicitor Reginald Martin.

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Will's family was completed by the birth of a third daughter, Wendy. He took satisfaction from growing his own vegetables on his allotment with the help of his late daughter, Peggy.

Will was thrilled when, after three daughters, Joan presented him with a grandson, David, and equally delighted when David and Lindy had Laura to make him a great-grandfather.

Edie died in 2003 to end the couple's 72-year marriage.Will leaves two daughters, a grandson and a great-granddaughter.

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