Danny Neil King entered the gates of Heaven on April 14, 2026, at the age of 71 years 4 months. Neil was born on December 28, 1954, to W. W. and Lessie Mae King. A true child of the 1960s, Neil embraced life with a free spirit and a deep curiosity about the world. A classic hippie life marked by peace, music, meaningful connection, and a zeal for living fully.

In 1974, Neil met a like-minded soulmate, Susan Sutton, and their bond was immediate and enduring. They married in 1975 and remained inseparable for five decades. Together, they built a life rich in love, adventure, and countless memories, often traveling wherever the road—or inspiration—took them, even when there was little budget to do so. Along the way their love created their greatest joy, the birth of their two daughters: Emily, born in 1983, and Lucy Mary, born in 1988.

Neil began his professional career in 1978 with General Electric in Salisbury, North Carolina, and when that facility closed, move to Mt Pleasant, Tennessee continuing his career at the GE Columbia plant.

In 1994, a liver transplant profoundly reshaped Neil’s life. His joy for life became firmly rooted in his faith and his commitment to living for Jesus. He served over many years as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, youth director, and Associate Pastor at New Song Baptist Church.

Neil returned to school, earned a degree in education, and began teaching at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School in 1999. Over the next 24 years, he touched countless students with his dedication, compassion, and belief in their potential—an impact reflected in the many young adults who later shared how deeply he shaped their lives.

Neil loved the outdoors, and family life was often spent camping on weekends, holidays, and vacations throughout the Southeast and the western United States. These trips frequently included visits to state and national parks, where Neil delighted in exposing his daughters to history, culture, and the beauty of the natural world. He enjoyed St. Louis Cardinals baseball, NASCAR racing, and, most passionately, UT Vols football, proudly holding season tickets for many years. Neil also loved music and was a devoted fan of John Prine long before it became cool.

Neil’s kindness, empathy, and willingness to help others were evident throughout his life. Friends and family often sought his guidance and thoughtful reflection during times of need. Central to Neil’s life were his roles as husband, father, and papa. Even in declining health, he persevered in being present and supportive of those around him, living out those roles with intention and love.

Neil is survived by his beloved wife, Susan King; his daughters, Emily King and Lucy Mary Szydlowski (Greg); and his cherished grandchildren, Alleina Zinsmeister (John), Carter Szydlowski (Kaelin fiancée), Zeppelin Szydlowski, Ivy Szydlowski, and Arrow Szydlowski.

He was preceded in death by his parents W. W. and Lessie Mae King. Sisters Madel Skipper and Marie Rickman, parents-in-law Burl and Doris Sutton and brother-in-law Keith Younger.

Neil’s life was well lived, faithful, and richly shared. He touched and impacted many lives and will be dearly missed and faithfully remembered.