Charles Robert King

He was born in Albany, Georgia November 19, 1942 to Charles Elmer King and Peggy Torbett. Dr. King practiced medicine the way he lived his life, with integrity, humility, honesty and compassion. He treasured his family and Golden Retriever pups, loved to fish, both offshore and in the river, and he was a licensed boat captain. He was a good listener, had the absolute best sense of humor, and was patient with everyone, displaying unusual kindness to others.

He was an alumnus of Glynn Academy and the University of Georgia prior to attending medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. He served with the United States Navy, completing his internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia and his orthopedic residencies at the U.S. Naval Hospitals in Chelsea, Massachusetts and Durham, North Carolina. He served as a Staff Orthopedic Surgeon at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida from 1973 until discharged honorably from the Navy in 1976.

Dr. King relocated to Brunswick, Georgia with his wife and children to be closer to family and served the community faithfully in private orthopedic practice for 29 years. During his tenure as a credentialed medical staff member of Southeast Georgia Health System, he held several administrative roles including Chief of Staff, Chief of Surgery, and Chair of the Credentials Committee. He retired from private practice in 2005, retaining his status as Honorary Medical Staff member.

Following retirement, the Dawg Gone Trio, Charles, Arretta, and pup Eli, traveled in their RV, often bringing their grandson, Charlie, visiting distant family and many state parks and places across the nation.

He is survived by his wife Arretta, his faithful companion Leo, his son Charles “Rob” King, Jr. of Brunswick, Georgia, daughters Shari Byrnside of Atlantic Beach, Florida and Cassie Wilder (Butch) of Brunswick, Georgia; grandchildren Charles Bernard (Leslie), Sarah Byrnside, Emma Byrnside, Zeke King, and Jacob King; and great-grandchildren Bryson, Maggie, Savannah, and Charlie.

The family would like to express their most heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and support provided by the team at Hospice of the Golden Isles as well as other medical professionals for their dedication and support during his illness. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. William Grubb, Dr. David Kranc, Dr. Duane Moores, Dr. Philip Villiotte, and Dr. Scott Clay.

A private celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Golden Isles, Inc., 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, Georgia 31525, or the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation, 2415 Parkwood Drive, Attention: Foundation, Brunswick, Georgia 31520, in remembrance.

One of his favorite songs was “Why Me Lord” by Kris Kristofferson. If you were fortunate enough to know him, the lyrics sum up his humility and heart perfectly:

“Why me Lord, what have I ever done

To deserve even one

Of the pleasures I've known

Tell me Lord, what did I ever do

That was worth loving You

Or the kindness You've shown”

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com