Thomas (Tom) A. King passed away at the age of 88 in Huntsville, Alabama on May 9, 2026.
Tom is survived by his brother, Charles D. King; sister-in-law, Martha B. King; son-in-law, Rocky Gautney; and grandchildren, Asa McKenzie, Nicole Huncosky (John), and Tyson LaPlant. He also leaves to cherish his memory many cousins, nephews, nieces and close friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Genece Williams King, who Tom himself described as the “best cook in the world” and “the best decision I ever made.” He also was preceded by his stepdaughter, Phoebe Gautney; parents, Lewis Hilry King Sr. and Mozelle Pope King; sister, Ann King; brother, Lewis Hilry King, Jr.; sister-in-law, Mary Anne King; in-laws, Carlos and Lories Williams; brother-in-law, Chuck Williams; and great nephew, Tyler King.
Tom was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and grew up in Columbiana, Alabama, on what he referred to as the “family homestead.” Upon graduating from Shelby County High School, he attended Auburn University where he joined Sigma Pi Fraternity and met brothers who would become friends and family for life. He then went on to the University of Alabama at Huntsville where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Tom made the Huntsville area his home in 1956. He had a very successful career starting with Brown Engineering Company (Teledyne-Brown) and others including Martin Company, IBM, Rockwell International, United Space Alliance, Northrup Corporation, Boeing and NASA. Tom worked on the space shuttle program for over 30 years specializing in trajectory, and was honored with the Silver Snoopy Award, an award given personally by NASA astronauts.
Tom and Genece embraced their life in Madison and enjoyed entertaining and socializing with neighbors, friends and family. Their homes were always decorated for the occasion and truly a welcoming place. They also enjoyed gardening, attending Broadway musicals and traveling together and with friends or family. Some of their favorite trips included Hawaii, Alaska, Nova Scotia, New Orleans and a cruise through the Panama Canal.
After moving to Redstone Village in Huntsville, Tom and Genece continued to be involved with the community, enjoying meals and programs with their neighbors and friends. Tom enjoyed playing cards and joining the Rock Steady boxing club, while Genece continued her crafting. After Genece’s passing, Tom continued to use her handcrafted items to decorate around Redstone at Christmas.
A celebration of life will be held for friends and family on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Redstone Village in the clubroom – 12000 Turnmeyer Drive SE, Huntsville, AL 35803. Parking will be available at both main entrances to the Independent Living buildings. This service will also be in remembrance of Genece who passed during the quarantine years when gatherings were prohibited.
The family would like to express our gratitude to Paul & Mary, Jerry & Nicole, Ron & Glenda and the staff at Redstone Village, Crestwood Hospital & Spry Funeral Home for their compassion and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Tom’s memory to one of the following organizations: Sigma Pi Club of Auburn PO Box 640188 Pike Road, AL 36064 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
