Murch Andrew King, Sr.

Murch Andrew King Sr. passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was the baby of three siblings born in Bronx, New York to Walter Edward Sr. and Bertha Murch King. Being the baby he was a center of attention, particularly of our Aunt Rose who helped Bertha after Walter Sr. died early.

Murch remained a center of attention wherever he went for most of his time with us. His big size, warmth, generous spirit and love of hosting or being the life of a good party drew people to him. Murch got the work bug early. Working in the family dry cleaning business until 1954, leaving for part-time at R.H. Macy’s during high school, then joining the Postal Service, and the NY Transit Authority. In 1964 he left the Bronx for Brooklyn where he became manager at what became his true joy when he became owner in 1977: becoming ‘King of DeKalb Franklin Liquor Mart’. It was during this time his favorite drink became Jack Daniel’s which became our family mascot, even with one of the dogs named J.D. for short, and his go-to drink for all time.

Murch used his years in the liquor industry to provide great care and service to his family and many others. Sponsoring youth sports teams, supporting his mother’s church and many organizations’ civic endeavors, and spotting his customers or others in need of a little (or even a bit more) cash. Murch joined the Prince Hall Mason Antioch, NY Chapter in 1966, and the Kiwanis Club of Bedford-Stuyvesant, NY in 1985 where he served several terms as vice-president and president for two terms. Murch received numerous recognition awards from the Bronx Negro Business and Professionals Women’s Club.

Murch left living in Brooklyn (but it stayed in his heart forever) in 1970 to settle back in the Bronx where he lived with his wife Grace Cherry and their children. After retirement from store ownership, Murch and his wife Grace Cherry King moved to Grace’s family home in Sewickley, PA in 2004 where they stayed until 2024 when they moved to the Apple Blossom Senior Living Community in Moon. In Sewickley, Murch stayed active with two churches - first Sewickley AME Zion Church on Thorn St, and then until his passing Sewickley United Methodist Church on Broad St - and worked to sustain the Sewickley American Legion Post 450 until it had to cease operations.

Murch remained beloved and loving of his extensive family. His dear mother Bertha, Aunt Rose, brother Walter Edward Jr. and his wife Gwendolyn King, Murch’s first wife Arlene Dancer King Barber, and Grace’s sister Joyce and her husband Donald Sr. are now welcoming him into our heavenly family. Murch’s spirit remains with his wife, Grace;  the children: Sabrina and her life partner Luther Lee, Murch II, Stephanie and her husband Michael Woods, and Cheryl; his sister Celia Hazzard; his former sister-in-law Loretta and her son Abio; and his wonderful nieces, nephews and grands: Sydney, Zenobia, David, Safia, Elias, Adrienne, Kinda, Anaiah, Donald Jr and his wife Kathy, Kaira; and goddaughter Tina. Murch leaves many wonderful friends who made his many stages  of life joyous and of course filled with lots of Jack Daniels! A special blessing to all and to the amazing staff of Apple Blossom Senior Living Community in Moon for sharing in Murch’s life.

Thank you for walking with us, Grace and all the kids!

Friends received Friday 6 – 7 pm and Saturday 11 – 12 pm at R. D. Copeland, Inc., 981 Brodhead Rd., Moon Township where a Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 12 pm.

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