• Originally published April 14, 2010 at 3:27 p.m., updated April 14, 2010 at 3:27 p.m.

King

After 88 joyful years of life, William George King, known to some as “Jr.” and to others as “Bill”, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Antioch, California, due to complications following a brief illness.

Jr. was born on October 27, 1921, in Houston to William King and Ruby Butt King, but spent most of his younger years in Blessing, Texas. After graduating from Blessing High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving 6 years and attaining the rank of chief signalman. On April 21, 1946, Jr. married his sweetheart Verna Marie Matthes. They lived in Blessing, and later moved to Markham. During those years, Jr. commuted to Rice University and The University of Houston while being employed by Tidehaven Independent School District as a coach, teacher, and later as principal at Markham Elementary School. Jr. also earned a Masters Degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas. After many happy years at Markham Elementary School, Jr. retired as principal at Markham but continued employment with the T.I.S.D., serving as Tax Assessor Collector/Business Manager.

Jr. was always full of life. His interests were varied because he hated being idle. He was a teacher, first and foremost, but he also enjoyed fishing, tinkering in his shop, traveling with his family, and making new friends. He was an active member of Masonic Lodge #411 in Blessing, a Charter Member of the American Legion Cecil B. Lee Post #649 in Blessing, and a proud member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Mare Island Chapter #11 in Fairfield, California.

Jr. is survived by his second wife: Nadine King of Brentwood, California; daughter: Linda King Wing of Kingsport, Tennessee; son: Carl William King & wife Theresa of Markham; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister: Mildred Bess of Corpus Christi; brother: David King of Houston; step-children: Bill Eller, Larry Eller, and Sandra Eller; step-grandchildren; and step-great grandchildren, all residing in California.

Jr. was preceded in death by his first wife: Verna Marie Matthes King; mother: Ruby Butt King Hamelink; father: William King; step-father: Peter Hamelink; and two sisters: Ellen Goodman Meadows and Joy Marie King.

Masonic and Navy services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing conducted by Blessing Masonic Lodge #411 and Bay City P.H. Parker VFW Post 2438.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Taska, Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 159, El Maton, Texas 77440.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.

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