Dr. Lok King Kong, 81, of Murphy passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at his residence. Dr. Kong was born in Malaysia of Chinese heritage. He met and married his wife, Ai Choo Kong on July 14, 1967. Dr. Kong received his medical training at National Taiwan University and finished in New York City before moving to Murphy in 1978. He was the first OBGYN in the area and began at Providence Hospital. He designed and established the OBGYN suite at the new Murphy Medical Center. Dr. Kong also volunteered at the local Cherokee County Health Department. He had a big heart and truly cared for his patients, having practiced medicine for more than 30 years. Dr. Kong introduced the area to Chinese cuisine upon the opening of his motel and restaurant “The Dragon Palace”. He enjoyed watching American westerns and especially John Wayne. Dr. Kong was a loving and dedicated family man who raised three successful children.

He was the son of the late Luk and Kwee Chun Teoh Kong. He was also preceded in death by a sister and a brother.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Ai Choo Kong; a daughter, Lin Min Kong and husband, Talley Sherwood of Los Angeles, California; two sons, Li Sheng Kong and wife, Lana Shiu-Kong of Thousand Oaks, California, and Li Kuo Kong and wife, Xiaoli Qin of San Mateo, California; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Patrick Garrett officiating. The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Li Sheng Kong, Li Kuo Kong, Tom Sui, Shane Hurto, Hua Ying Ling, and Gary Gong.

The family received friends from 12-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dr. Lok King Kong to Logan’s Run Rescue, 3000 US Highway 64 West, Suite 118, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.