William Kennon King was born on August 4, 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Annie Lauri King and James Howell King. In 1958, he joined the US Navy, honorably serving his country for six years. He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Shreveport Masonic Lodge following in his father's footsteps. His father was the Grand Master of the State of Louisiana in 1984.
Bill Met the love of his life in 1953, Jerry Ann Craig and married in 1959. They married shortly after and had four beautiful children, losing Shane at just a few hours old. Bill was a wonderful husband and father. He always provided and made sure his family was taken care of. Bill and Jerry were long time members of Shreve City Baptist Church.
Bill worked at Therma King for his Father, James, working on truck refrigeration units. After leaving Shreveport, Bill moved to Dallas, Texas where he pursued a job at Sysco foods serving them for eight years. His final career was at LSG Skychef in Dallas, Texas as a building Maintenance Mechanic, which he retired from in 2007. Bill enjoyed and loved being retired.
To everyone that knew Bill, he was known as "Papa". He loved spending time with his family, especially, his grandkids and great grandkids. Papa was always filled with knowledge and information. He was a very smart and loving man. He adored the times he got to talk to his grandsons about history, guns and knives. He loved his cat, Junior. He loved telling stories, cracking jokes, laughing and make others laugh. Papa enjoyed reading his Lewis and Clark Books, listening to classical and oldies music. He also had an interest in collecting weapons and coins Bill could be found in his woodworking shop where he made countless picture frames, piggy banks and children's candy jars.
Bill "Papa" passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in Perryville, Arkansas surrounded by family at the age of 84. Papa will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Robin King Gardner and spouse, Dena Gardner and Wendy Williams; grandchildren, Ashley Williams (Joseph Beeton), Justin King (Ashley Gangitano) and Dillon Wossum (Tiffany Wossum); great grandchild, Skylar King, Shance King, Ally King, Gianna King, Jericho King, Braxton Beeton, MaKyia Beeton, Victoria Wossum, Scarlett Wossum and Hailegh Gangitano.
William was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Jerry Ann King; his sons, Shane King and Shawn King; and his parents, James and Annie King.
A visitation for William will be held Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. Following the visitation will be a graveside at 12:00 PM. Honoring him as pallbearers are Justin King, Joseph Beeton, Dillon Wossum, Shance King and Braxton Beeton.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Arkansas Hospice for providing excellent care to their Dad and Papa.
