Christopher William King II, of Corrales New Mexico, died on August 14, 2026. Chris was born on August 5, 1937, in Mobile, Alabama, to Christopher William Senior and Mae King. He is preceded in death by his son, Christopher William King III, brothers-in-law, Al Miller and Dennis Hlavinka. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer King Plummer (David Plummer) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister Kay Miller of Pensacola, Florida; sister Mickey Hlavinka of Arvada, Colorado; the love of his life, Sandra Wedemeyer; and his protégé and close friend, Art Edelhoff of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Chris also leaves behind his beloved dog and faithful companion, Buddy.

Chris lost his father at an early age and stepped up to help support his mother and two sisters. After high school, Chris won an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. As a midshipman, he played football for the Mariners and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Maritime Science. He first deployed to Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he worked with the stevedores because his junior rank prevented him from getting a ship. Seeing an opportunity to go to sea, he obtained his captain’s license, moved to New Orleans, LA, and later to Houston, TX, where he served as a navigation officer on cargo vessels. As a sailor, Chris saw many exotic locations, like Japan and Africa. He traversed the Panama Canal many times. He served as a commissioned officer for eight years and was in the Navy Reserves.

During his time in the Merchant Marine, Chris used his shore time to earn a Master’s degree in Economics and Marketing from the University of Houston.

After completing his education and fulfilling his obligation to the Merchant Marine in 1969, Chris moved to Cleveland, OH with a friend to start a business selling women’s clothing. The business expanded into Native American jewelry, which frequently brought Chris to the southwest and allowed him to travel the country. Chris settled in Corrales with his family in 1972, where he became a part of the community and stayed for the rest of his life.

For a short time, Chris worked as an auctioneer for automobiles and other goods and owned a jewelry store. He attained a real estate brokerage license and opened American Realty in northwest Albuquerque. He obtained a General Contractor’s license, which allowed him to develop and build homes in the Corrales area for decades.

Chris retained his passion for travel, adventure, sports and the sea his entire life. He loved sailing, mostly to Catalina Island off the coast of California. He was an avid tennis player, water skier, and snow skier (who continued to ski Taos well into his 70s). Chris walked the ditch in Corrales with his dog daily, lifted weights and swam at his local gym until his final days.

Chris was generous with his time and talents. He was a role model, advisor, and investor to many young people in his orbit. He valued initiative, hard work, healthy eating, exercise, sunshine and spending time with family and friends. He was a loving father, brother, mentor and friend. He will be deeply missed.

A celebration to honor Chris’s life will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 2-4 pm at Mula’s New Mexican Kitchen located at 4908 Corrales Road, Corrales, NM 87048.