ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, July 8, 1996                   TAG: 9607080102
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-3  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: DANVILLE 
SOURCE: Associated Press 

POPULAR DANVILLE EATERY TO CLOSE

Thirty-two years after it first opened its doors to customers, the King of the Sea Restaurant is closing.

The restaurant has been a popular campaign stop for state politicians, and every governor from Mills Godwin to George Allen has made at least one trip down the buffet line.

Even a few celebrities have paid a visit, including Elizabeth Taylor; Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty on ``Gunsmoke''; Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright on ``Bonanza''; and pro football great Rosie Greer.

The Danville restaurant will shut its doors Aug. 31. Wilton Smith, the restaurant's owner, was diagnosed with cancer last year. He said it is time for him and his wife, Peggy, to retire.

``It's been a lot of fun,'' Smith said. ``The people of Danville have been wonderful to us.''

LENGTH: Short :   31 lines