Douglas Edward King

Douglas Edward King, 58, of Greenville, Indiana, passed away on August 15, 2025, in Shenzhen, China. Born on August 4, 1967, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Doug lived a life marked by service, adventure, and deep devotion to his family and friends. 

Doug graduated from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where he was a proud brother of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. His commitment to service began early when he enlisted in the West Virginia Air National Guard. He earned a pilot slot to fly C-130s and was commissioned into the 167th Airlift Wing. Doug served honorably in combat during Desert Storm, demonstrating courage and dedication that would define his career.

Following his military service, Doug embarked on a distinguished civilian aviation career with UPS Airlines. Over the course of 31 years, he rose through the ranks to become a captain on both the Boeing 747 and 757/767 aircraft. In April of 2023, Doug was honored as UPS Flight Crew of the Year after safely managing an engine failure on takeoff—an event that underscored his exceptional skill and calm under pressure.

Doug’s love for flying was matched only by his passion for the outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished time spent hunting on his family’s property in West Virginia and looked forward each year to his elk hunting trips in Colorado. Fishing trips with friends and family in Orange Beach, Alabama were among his favorite pastimes. A world traveler through both work and leisure, Doug especially enjoyed vacationing with his beloved wife Cristy in the Caribbean—Jamaica and the Dominican Republic held special places in their hearts. 

Doug was a man of faith and a member of First Baptist Church of Spencer, West Virginia, where his late father was named Pastor Emeritus. He was known for his kindness and had a gift for making friends wherever he went. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Cristy King; son Wylie King; daughter Dr. Carli King; sister Kelli King; and his feline friends Coconut and Bella.

He was preceded in death by his father Michael King and mother Mary Virginia Freshwater.

Doug’s legacy lives on through those who knew him—as a devoted husband and father, a skilled aviator, a loyal friend, and a man who embraced life fully. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, with a service to follow at 5:00pm, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, Southern Indiana Chapel, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana, 47150.