Ruth Moseley King, a woman who lived a full, impactful, and inspiring 92 years, passed away peacefully at her Bristol, Tennessee home on December 5, 2022. Originally from Uniontown, Alabama, and an alumna of the University of Alabama, Ruth’s journey brought her to Bristol in 1953 when she accepted a position at Sullins College. It was in Bristol that she found her lifelong love, Bill King, a Bristol native. Together, they built a family with two children, William E. King, Jr., and Nell King Bieger. Beyond being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cherished friend, Ruth was a respected educator, a successful entrepreneur, and a powerful force for positive change within the Bristol community, including her long-standing support for the Bristol Family YMCA in Bristol, TN.
For nearly 70 years, Ruth was a dedicated member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Bristol. Her service there was extensive, ranging from Sunday School superintendent to choir member and various volunteer roles. She was known for her warm welcome to new rectors, helping them integrate into the community. In her later years, she led the bereavement committee, finding fulfillment in supporting families during difficult times. Ruth’s deep Christian faith was the foundation of her kindness and her commitment to helping others in all aspects of her life, values that resonated with the YMCA’s mission of community service and support.
Ruth’s significant influence as an educator extended beyond traditional classrooms. At Sullins College, she served as Director of Student Activities and later as Dean of Women. Following her retirement from Sullins, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Episcopal Day School, eventually becoming Head Mistress. Under her guidance, the school achieved accreditation, relocated to the Sullins College campus, and evolved into Sullins Academy. Whether working with college students or preschoolers, Ruth had a gift for recognizing potential in each student, fostering their growth through kindness, encouragement, necessary discipline, and by setting a strong personal example.
In the early 1980s, Ruth embarked on a new entrepreneurial path as an antique dealer. Demonstrating her commitment to downtown Bristol, she purchased and renovated 618 State Street. For 27 years, Ruth King Antiques flourished, earning recognition as one of the premier antique shops in the Southeast, renowned for its exquisite collection of English antiques and unique accessories. Her success not only revitalized a downtown space but also inspired other businesses to invest in the area, playing a crucial role in downtown Bristol’s resurgence. Her contributions were acknowledged with the prestigious “Business of the Year” Award at the 2nd Annual Greater Tri-Cities Business Awards.
Ruth King’s dedication to community service was profound and far-reaching. She held the presidency of the Border Guild / Junior League and was an active member of numerous clubs including the Blue Stocking Club, Child Study Club, the 1900 Literary Club, and the Bristol Historical Society. Her fundraising efforts benefited organizations like Bristol Regional Medical Center and the Bristol Family YMCA. Her commitment to the YMCA was particularly notable; she served on its board for many years and initiated a long-lasting outreach program. This program brought all second-grade students from Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia elementary schools to the Bristol Family YMCA during school hours for swimming lessons. Ruth’s passion for the YMCA was evident in her continued workouts and swims there until her recent illness. This initiative underscores her belief in the importance of community programs offered by organizations like the Bristol Family YMCA and their impact on children’s lives.
Born to a mother who was an accomplished classical pianist and arts advocate, Ruth carried on this legacy by working tirelessly to enrich Bristol’s cultural landscape. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, she was instrumental in bringing high-quality musicians to Bristol through the Community Concert Series. She was a founding board member of the Paramount Chamber Players and a dedicated supporter of the Paramount Center for the Arts for over three decades. Her contributions to Paramount Bristol were so significant that she was granted emeritus board status for life. On her 90th birthday in 2020, the Paramount marquee honored her as “The Paramount’s Leading Lady.”
Bill King was Ruth’s unwavering partner in all her endeavors – church, professional, and community – throughout their 53-year marriage. Their combined contributions to the community were recognized with the Bristol Mayors’ Award of Distinction in 2008, awarded to both Ruth and Bill (posthumously). Ruth also received a YWCA Tribute to Women award in 2017 and was featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal. However, for Ruth, relationships were more valuable than any accolades. She cultivated deep friendships throughout her life and was known for her graciousness and style. She welcomed newcomers to Bristol with her distinctive Alabama accent and was always ready for an adventure, whether local or international. She loved to entertain and be entertained, embodying a perfect blend of fun-loving spirit and serious dedication. Ruth King inspired countless individuals and her legacy will continue to live on through those who loved her.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Leslie Alexander and Nell Murphree Moseley, her husband Bill, and her sisters Nell Brandon Moseley Faucett and Leslie Moseley Glass. She is survived by her children William and Nell (Dan Bieger), grandchildren Will King, Moseley King Snyder (Cody), Daniel Bieger, and David Bieger, great-grandchildren Kingsley Snyder and Kane Snyder, and Ronan King, as well as nieces and nephews Jimmy Faucett, Leslie Anne Faucett Creel, Henry Glass, Ben Glass, and Leslie Glass Harelik.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Paramount Foundation, or the Bristol Family YMCA (410 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Bristol, TN), reflecting Ruth’s lifelong commitment to these important Bristol institutions. Friends are invited to celebrate Ruth’s life at the Bieger home on Sunday, December 11, and funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Monday, December 12, followed by a private burial at Glenwood Cemetery. Akard Funeral Home is honored to serve the King family. Condolences and memories can be shared at akardfuneralhome.com.
