Chattanooga Surgeon Walter King, Jr. Lived a “Big” Life

Walter “Bill” Hughey King, Jr., M.D., of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, died on May 25, 2022, at the age of 80. He will always be remembered for his big heart and larger than life personality.

Dr. King, Jr. was an orthopedic surgeon in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for over 35 years. Many years of his practice were spent at Parkridge Medical Center whose staff provided him a home away from home, even when he retired.

King served in many medical leadership roles over the years. He was an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and volunteered at the Boehm Birth Defects Center for many years.

He gave back to the community in other ways too. He was a member of The Society of the Cincinnati, and a founding member of the Stones River Charter of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution. He also served in the Army Reserves.

Given the nickname “Biggun” by loved ones, King who was 6’8” tall had a sharp wit and a zest for life.

In his obituary, his family and friends wrote, “Biggun lived large: big houses, big meals, big drinks, big cars, big farms, big horses, big fun. Most importantly he had a big heart. Though his sheer size alone could be intimidating, and his dry sense of humor could take people off guard, it wouldn’t take anyone long to realize he was thoughtful, kind and caring.”

He especially loved spending time with family and was a devoted son, father, and grandfather.

King was born to Sarah and Walter Hughey King, Sr. at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 13, 1942. His early schooling was at Montgomery Bell Academy for junior high and Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon for high school. He attended Vanderbilt University but completed his bachelor’s degree at Middle Tennessee State University.

He then earned his medical degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Medical School and did his orthopedic surgery residency at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

King is preceded in death by his parents and son, Walter Hughey King, III. He is survived by his siblings, Carmine, Newton, Sallie and their families and his children Cannon, Mollie, Collier, Hamilton and his grandchildren.