Gary Oakley King, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Lucille King; his brother, Greg King; and his sister, Ann Moore. Gary could best be described as someone who never met a stranger and, once he learned your name, never forgot it. Born on January 1, 1949, he was the oldest of five siblings. He often reminisced about his childhood growing up in Lynn Garden and the lifelong friendships he formed there. Gary graduated from Lynn View High School in 1967, where he met the love of his life, Cecilia. They were married for 57 years.
As a teenager, Gary began working at Latimer Looney Chevrolet sweeping floors and worked his way up to Service Manager. His second love was the car industry, and he excelled in it. His career allowed him and Cecilia to travel the world, and he eventually retired as Service Manager with Bill Gatton Chevrolet. Gary often said he was born in the wrong century. He and Cecilia loved traveling out West, with Monument Valley being his favorite destination. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his sheltie, Blue. These adventures created lasting memories for his daughter and family.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cecilia; his daughter, Laura Erwin and her husband, Allen; his brother, Wayne (Vickie); his sister, Tammy; his sister in law, Becky (Jeff Scott); his brother in law, Tommy Blackburn; and his special aunt, Betty.
The family will receive friends at East Lawn Funeral Home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:55 PM, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM and a graveside committal at 2:00 PM in the Garden of the Well at East Lawn Memorial Park.
East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is honored to serve the family of Mr. Gary King.