Bobby King
Crossville, TN
Visitation will be Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Haleyville, Alabama. There will be a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. at the church.
Bobby was a life-long educator whether as a high school science and chemistry teacher, working with special education students, or with the Boy Scouts of America. He served in leadership positions in the organization in both Alabama and Tennessee, and was a District Executive for the West Tennessee Area Council, where he built a stellar scouting program in the Shiloh District. He was later employed by Memphis Museums as the first site manager at Coon Creek Science Center in McNairy County, Tennessee. His experience as a Boy Scout leader and science teacher made him uniquely prepared to develop Coon Creek as an education center to showcase one of the most important fossil sites in North America. He was instrumental in the construction and development of the site as well as creating an educational program that catered to hundreds of students who came to the site to study paleontology and to dig fossils. His entire life was spent in service to children and youth where he volunteered as a Cub Scout Den Leader, Boy Scout Leader, Methodist Youth Fellowship Leader, and Little League Coach. In his spare time, he enjoyed amateur astronomy, collecting Native American artifacts, and writing and publishing books and short stories. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Mary King and his niece Ronda. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; sister Freda King Crumpton (Ronald), and brother John Lyle King, both of Haleyville. He is survived by nieces Melani Smith (Greg) of Haleyville; Lauren Connolly (Adam) of Florence, AL; Caroline King of Portsmouth, NH; Lauren Lockhart (Stephen) of Taylors, SC; Emily Brock (Brannon) of Boiling Springs, SC; and Rose Wilson of Murfreesboro, TN. Surviving nephews are Timothy Crumpton of Haleyville and William King of Baton Rouge, LA. He leaves behind seven great-nephews and six great-nieces. He will be missed by many, including a host of family and friends, and his loyal furry companion, Itsy. Officiants: Reverend David Lay and Reverend Will Wells
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Bobby’s memory consider a donation to Gideons, International. Their mission is to win men, women, boys, and girls to Jesus Christ by sharing God’s Word with them through the placement of Bibles worldwide. Memorials may be sent to: Savannah Gideon Camp P.O. Box 1062 Savannah, TN 38372
