Adrian P. "Buddy" King

Adrian “Buddy” King is safe in the arms of His Savior. After hospitalization with complications from COPD, Buddy slipped these earthly bonds for His eternal home on January 7, 2025.

Buddy was born into a musical family of faith on February 2, 1947, in York, PA. The son of Brian and Orpha “Queenie” King, he began his musical development at the family’s piano (belonging to his paternal grandmother and shipped from her home in the UK) with Buddy’s dad as his teacher. Musical education continued with trumpet and voice. Along with Buddy’s sister, Diane, the family of four presented musical programs, most of which were built around the Gospel and commitment to the Lord. Music was a part of EVERY day. The greatest influence, however, was his parents’ teachings from the Bible and how to know God and live a life pleasing to Him.

Buddy’s musical talents continued to develop, and he joined The DelChords band and sang for many “gigs” around central Pennsylvania. Shortly after, with musicians from Harrisburg, York and environs, the group, The Magnificent Men was formed. The performance venues included the famed Apollo Theatre (New York City) and the Uptown Theatre (Philadelphia, PA). The group traveled extensively and received great acclaim for their recordings with Capitol Records and Mercury Records and became known as the “blue-eyed soul brothers”. They are known for their hit, “Peace of Mind” written by Buddy and his co band member, Dave Bupp. Later, Buddy became a “solo” act and performed around the area in many restaurants and other venues, sometimes with his sister. 

Buddy returned to his spiritual roots in a magnificent way and produced a recording, "The Joy of My Heart” with his own “original” tunes and favorite hymns. He loved God and gave Him the honor He deserved and was “sold out” to his strong faith. He was confident that upon his death he would be in the presence of the Lord forever.

He is survived by his son, Jonathan “Jay” King (wife Margarita); his sister, Diane King Susek (husband Ron); and cousins in the US and in western Canada. He is a 1965 graduate of William Penn Senior High School and a former employee of Jessica & Friends Community. He attended Church of the Open Door, York.

Buddy’s Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Church of the Open Door, 8 Carlisle Court, York, PA 17408, with Reverend Ron Susek, Reverend Robert Riedy, Reverend Peter Teague, and Reverend William Mummert officiating. There will be a time of fellowship following the service. Viewing will be from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Burial will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Mount Rose Cemetery, 1502 Mount Rose Avenue, York, 17403. Please arrive at the gate of the Cemetery by 9:50 AM. Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.