On July 26, 1945, in Wharton, Texas, Henry King and Mary Tyler welcomed their
baby boy...Carl Franklin King. He was the youngest of nine children including Alice
Hatton, Myrtel Meyers, Obedia King, Pearline Adams, Lillian Gobert, Melba Brown,
Richard ThThomas, and Robert ThThomas. He was a mischievous kid whose jokes, good
nature, and kind heart made people smile everywhere he went.
At the young age of 14, after his mother’s passing, Carl moved to Los Angeles,
California, to live with his older sister, Pearline. ThThere, he attended Bret Harte
Intermediate School and later graduated from Compton High School in Compton,
California. After graduation, Carl signed up for the United States Air Force, where he
served four years of active duty and two years in the reserves. During this time in the
service, he was stationed in Bangkok, ThThailand and Vietnam. In August of 1969, he
received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force.
ThThe following year, Carl was introduced to Bertha, the love of his life. ThThey didn’t
waste any time getting to know each other. From their union, fifive children were born:
Jacques, Quinntel, Carl, Jr., Rikki, and Brandon. Twelve years after the birth of their
youngest son, Carl and Bertha adopted their niece, Maureen White, who they raised
as their own child. Carl and Bertha would enjoy life in Los Angeles, California, until
fate led them back to Texas. In September of 1997, the King family found their new
home in Arlington, Texas. While back in Texas, Carl worked security until a stroke in
2010 would force him to retire. He was a natural protector, so it made sense that he
found comfort in working security.
More than anything else, Carl enjoyed life with his family. He never met a stranger,
making sure that everyone he encountered felt like family. On any given day, Carl
could be found watching sports on television, cracking jokes with one of his children,
or spending time with one of his grandchildren. Carl was a strong man...he never
allowed his sickness to slow him down and never allowed the pain to show.
Carl would take his last breath on November 16, 2020, surrounded by the very
family he built. ThThere to meet him at Heaven’s gates were his parents, Henry and
Mary; six of his siblings; a sister-in-love, Charita Penniman; a daughter-in-love, Elicia
King; and a mother-in-love, Reather Davis.
Carl will forever be missed, but the bonds of love do not end at the grave. Forever
loving him and cherishing his memory are his wife, Bertha; and their fifive children,
Jacques, Quinntel (Bobbi), Carl, Jr., Rikki, and Brandon. Cherishing his memory are
two sisters, Lillian and Melba; 19 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and a host of
nieces, nephews, family, and close friends.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the KING family.
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