Rodney King 1967-2024

Rodney William King, 56, of Franklinton, North Carolina passed away at home on January 18, 2024.  While his passing was unexpected, the family is thankful he did not suffer.

Rodney was able to pursue his oldest life dream due to a close friend of his that was first his customer, but then embraced a partnership in racing in the SCCA.  They both obtained their racing licenses and proceeded to partner in racing BMWs. He achieved the distinction of winning 1st place in the SARRC Championship race just last season thanks to his partner’s and family’s encouragement, and a combination Rodney’s lifelong driving skills and 7 years of racing experience.

Rodney was a long-standing member of the SCCA.  Rodney owned Import Auto Pro located in Wake Forest, N.C. and was one of the reasons why many others joined the SCCA to try their hand at racing.  In the words of one of his close friends, Mark Bradley, “If it wasn’t for Rodney, I would have never known about the SCCA, road racing, and how fun it could be!” 

Rodney will be missed! 

He also enjoyed boating and fishing.

Rodney was raised in Virginia, then his family moved to Raleigh when he was 14.  He met his wife Shannon in high school, and they married in 1997.  They purchased a home in Franklinton, North Carolina. He started repairing automobiles in his parents’ garage at the young age of 16, and always enjoyed his sports cars. He proceeded to open his own automotive repair shop in Wake Forest, North Carolina in 2004.

Rodney and Shannon have one beautiful and very accomplished daughter, Hannah, who inherited his passion for automobiles, and became his shop Office Manager not long after graduating high school. She has decided to continue his legacy of serving the local community and keep the shop open for business. He also was an animal lover, particularly dogs, and loved his fur babies. Rodney and his wife have rescued/ adopted many of these sweet souls throughout their lifetimes.

Rodney is survived by his spouse, Shannon, his daughter Hannah, his mother Gertraude, his brother Steve and wife Stephanie with nephews Lucas and Alex, and his sister Kim with nephew Andy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the SPCA of Franklin County, NC in his name.

A visitation for everyone will be held at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.

A graveside service for family will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh NC on Friday, January 26, 2024.