George H. King

Deacon George Henry King was a native of Crockett, Texas and a graduate of Ralph J. Bunche High School where he played varsity football, varsity basketball and ran track. He attended Jarvis Christian University where he was initiated into the Zeta Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He earned a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education and also completed coursework at U.T. Tyler and Sam Houston State University. He taught in the Austin Independent School District, the Windham School District and the Region 6 Education Service Center Adult Education Program. Later, he became a central office administrator with the Windham School District and held this position until his retirement in 2004, ending a distinguished 30-year career in education.

In 1974, he united with Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church and served in various capacities including: Trustee Board member; Chairman of the Trustee Board; ordained Deacon Board Member from 1979 to the present; Assistant Chairman of the Deacon board; Chairman of the Deacon Board from 2007 to 2017: when he resigned due to health concerns. As Trustee Board Chairman, on behalf of the Church, he was tasked with negotiating for and obtaining the 5.49 acre-property, the current Greater Zion church site. The land was acquired in November of 2000. Later, he spearheaded the task of successfully obtaining financing for the present Greater Zion structure completed in 2005.

In addition to his church work at Greater Zion, Deacon King served as Dean of Congress for the Central District Missionary Baptist Association of Texas. He participated in several civic and community service activities and organizations, receiving numerous awards.

Deacon King was loved and supported by his wife of 52 years and high school sweetheart, Dr. Helen Groves King. He was a devoted family man and a terrific “girl dad.” George enjoyed good conversation, good music, and gardening. He had a beautiful singing voice which he used to worship God and inspire others throughout East Texas. He will be remembered as a strong leader and a calm voice of reason and wisdom. He was a loving son; brother; husband; brother-in-law; father; uncle; and friend.

He was predeceased by his father George H. King, mother Geneva Simmons Denman and his maternal siblings-four brothers and one sister. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Dr. Helen Groves King; one daughter, Candace Regan King-Lewis (Otis Calvin Lewis Jr.); two grandchildren, Lauren and Matthew; one goddaughter, Makayla Gambrell; paternal siblings; many nieces and nephews- including a special nephew, Reginald Mask; cousins; and other dear relatives and friends.