Ryder Drew King

La Grange- On Sunday, July 19, 2026, Heaven’s most perfect angel was sent to earth. At three pounds and seven ounces, and measuring 17 ½ inches long, Ryder Drew King was born to Mackenzie Williams and Hunter King. Ryder was born sleeping and never felt pain, sadness, or loss, but only knew the love and warmth of being held close in his mommy’s belly. Ryder knew the sound of his mommy’s heartbeat, his daddy’s voice, and his brother’s laughter as his daily comfort. With a beautiful headful of dark hair, Ryder looked so much like his big brother. He had the sweetest button nose, the most perfect little fingers, and the tiniest little toes. Though his feet were so small, no one has ever left a bigger footprint on the hearts of his family.

Throughout their 33 weeks together, Mackenzie and Ryder formed a bond that only a mama and her baby can. After the initial shock of discovering she was expecting, Mackenzie and Hunter were so excited to welcome another boy into their family. She began buying matching outfits for her boys and coordinating outfits for their family.

Ryder’s time here was far too short, but he made sure he made his mark. He was very active in his mommy’s tummy and liked to remind her that he was all boy by his frequent two-step kicks. Though Mackenzie never liked steak beforehand, Ryder made sure she would give him exactly what he wanted by inspiring her cravings for it. Mackenzie single-handedly kept the local beef market in business, especially after Hunter began cooking the steaks at home. Had Ryder stayed longer, he would have quickly found that there’s nothing his mommy and daddy would not give or do for him.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at La Grange Church of God on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Allen Stocks officiating. The family will greet friends from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. at the church, as well as other times at the home.

Ryder is survived by his mommy and daddy, Mackenzie Williams and Hunter King; big brother, Leylan King; maternal grandparents, Angel Smith and Andrew Williams (Heather); paternal grandparents, Laurin Jones Barwick and Joseph King (Ashley); great-grandparents, Debra Hamrick, Mary Williams, Mike Miller, Teresa Jones, Douglas Jones, Wanda Wilson, John Wilson, Joe Bradley, and Diane Bradley; aunts and uncles, Andrew Williams, Jr. (Cierra), Destiny Tilghman (Justin), Jacob Williams (Lexi), Camryn King (Carson), Landon King, and Nolan Barwick; and cousins, Bentley, Paisley, Londyn, Reed, Walker, and Caroline.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.howardandcarter.com. Arrangements and the care of sweet Ryder have been entrusted to Howard-Carter Funeral Home, Kinston.