MILTON, Fla. – Gary M. King, 62, passed away suddenly at his home on Dec. 2.

He was born in Portland, June 5, 1944, the son of John J. King and Thelma I. Truman. He was educated at Paris High School, Class of 1962.

He joined the Navy in 1962, and served one tour of duty in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1967, as a helicopter machine gunner and received a Purple Heart. He served 24 years for his country, before retiring in 1986, as senior chief petty officer.

He didn’t like the Maine winters, so he stayed in Florida. He was a member of the Elks and Moose Lodge and the American Legion.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Nipper of Lake City, Fla.; two grandchildren, Lance and Jamie Lacy of Lake City, Fla.; one brother, John D. of Rochester, Mass.; two sisters, Mary-Jane King of South Paris and Gretchen Paradis of Orange Park, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents.