More tributes are paid to sweet shop Ray, legend of Southsea's Albert Road

As reported yesterday, Ray King, who owned H&E King in Albert Road, died on July 27, aged 87.

The shop, which was formerly a newsagents, had been in Mr King’s family for more than 100 years. They used to live above it.

Mr King was well-known for his stories about Portsmouth in the war and for opening his traditional sweet shop at unusual hours to cater for late-night drinkers and visitors to the Kings Theatre next door.

Steph Lyons owned and ran Magick Bean Coffee Shop in Albert Road for 16 years.

She now works at Aurora part-time.

She said: ‘He used to come in to the cafe and talk about the war. He used to talk about the Blitz.

‘He was a real character in the road. He was a nice old man.’

Wayne Ames, who owns Southsea Fruit and Veg, which has been in Albert Road for more than 10 years, said: ‘I knew him to say hello to. He seemed like a lovely guy. He was quite fond of telling you stories.’

David Haviland, who runs Errand & Jervis, a printer that used to be known as Jervis & Sons, said Mr King would often be seen in Albert Road wearing his trademark mac.

He added: ‘I wish I could remember more of his stories. He would tell you a story and you wouldn’t want it to end. He was certainly a good story teller.’

Mr King’s funeral will be held at 11.15am at Portchester Crematorium on Friday.

A procession will leave from his shop at 10.15am. All are welcome.