Obituary of Alvin King, Sr.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV Alvin King, Sr., 75, departed this life on June 9, 2023, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. He left this life pretty much the same way he spent most of his time here on earth – surrounded by family. Early life Born September 10, 1947, Alvin was the seventh of nine children born to Arthur and Mary (Carter) King of West Feliciana Parish. Their parents always stressed the importance of growing in their faith and staying connected. They all attended McKowen Baptist Church in West Feliciana Parish, where Alvin was baptized by the Rev. Eddie Turner in 1963. He remained a member of the church throughout his life, serving on the Usher Board and later as a Deacon. Family Life After graduating from Dawson High School in 1965, Alvin enlisted in the U.S. Army. Prior to heading off to serve, he met a young woman in Jackson named Gloria Smith. They dated, or “courted” until he left for the military. They wrote to each other nearly every day while he served for three years. When he returned, Alvin bought a blue Camaro and later an engagement ring! He and Gloria were married in 1968. Two awesome children were born from their union. The family of four lived in the “the loop,” also known as McManus, where his parents and most of his brothers lived. Family gatherings in the neighborhood are still part of the King tradition. Alvin’s “King Punch,” was the requested beverage for most of these gatherings. Some of the key ingredients remain top secret. Alvin lived a healthy life and enjoyed jogging. He continued to run and exercise every day through his 70s until his recent health challenges. He also loved his garden. He was particular about the seeds he planted and enjoyed sharing his fresh vegetables with family and friends. If he wasn’t in the garden, you could find him sitting in front of the TV watching sports, especially baseball, and westerns. Alvin worked for over 50 years at the local paper mill in West Feliciana Parish formerly known as Crown Zellerbach. Later in life, Alvin became a grandfather, also known as Pops. His smile was wider, and laughs were much louder whenever he spent time with his grandchildren. To this day, they enjoy honey in their cereal because that’s the way Pops liked it. Alvin’s legacy Alvin’s attitude about life was to persevere. He lived out that principle even through his health challenges over the last year. Rarely did he complain. He remained optimistic and focused on God. Alvin’s joyful heart and love for family will never be forgotten. Alvin leaves to cherish many loving and unforgettable memories: A loving, devoted wife, Gloria; a son who was an exceptional caregiver in Alvin’s last months of life, Alvin King, of Jackson, La.; a daughter, Shannon (Earle) Phillips, Fishers, IN; a grandson, Chayce E. Phillips; a granddaughter, Chandler E. Phillips; two sisters: Betty Matthews, of Zachary, Edna (Alsee) Richardson, of Fayetteville, NC.; five brothers: Richard (Patricia) King, Ray (Ruby) King, Charles (Betty) King, all of Jackson; Robert (Catherine) King, of Slaughter and Sidney (Stephanie) King, of Zachary; four sisters-in-law: Annie Perry, Beatrice (Charles) Chenier, Fannie (Henry Earl) Phillips, Debra (Larry) Grant; five brothers-in-law: Washington (Jacqueline) Harris, Herman Henderson, Tim (Fannie) Harris, Timothy (Karla) Smith, Percy Harris; godson: Donnell Barber; three generations of nieces and nephews along with a host of other relatives and dear friends. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary King; oldest brother, Arthur King, Jr.; adopted sister, Laura B. Johnson; niece and goddaughter, Ina Joy King; great nephews, Lee D’Joy Scott, Jeral Wayne Matthews, Jr., and Jeralwyn (Matthews) Bell.