SEPTEMBER 10, 1947 Sunrise
JUNE 9, 2023
SunSET
Daddy, today is a day I've often thought about but also dreaded. You were my superhero. There was no one bigger than you other than God in my life, and I always wanted to be like you. As a kid, you would wash and wax your car weekly, and I would be right alongside you, washing and waxing my bike. To this day, the reason I keep a clean car is because of you and all the things you taught me. You meant the world to me, and I am so grateful that God chose you to be my dad. In your final days, I got to tell you how much you meant to me and, more importantly, how good of a father you had been. Your response to me was, “And you’ve been a good son.” The tears quickly filled my eyes because they were words any son would love to hear from their dad. At that moment, I was honored and felt my life had made you proud and had a deeper meaning. I felt complete at that moment. From now on, no one can tell me ANYTHING because my dad thinks I'm great, and that's all that matters. I will cherish that moment forever. Daddy, you are already missed. Who’s going to yell, “Li’l Alvin!” No one and I mean no one, could say it like you. But I have memories, and the good thing is that your legacy will live on through me. To know me is to know you.
I will always be proud to be your daughter. Mom and Alvin think I’m most like you. The impatience, the yelling, the annoying clicking of the cereal bowl…all you. That’s probably why we would argue one day and be cool with each other the next. We understood one another. Even with your imperfections, you were the most magnificent daddy. The one who was always there for me no matter where I traveled. The man who believed I could be anything. My financial support when I was in a bind. The only one in the house who didn’t rush me to give up my security blanket as a child. Always to the rescue. The hero. It still feels unreal that you are not here. It just hasn’t settled yet in my heart. You always seemed invincible. You were the man who rarely even caught a cold. Over these last few months, I came to admire you even more because you faced your health challenges with courage, perseverance, and faith. I will cherish our last conversations in the hospital room late at night when things were quiet and still. I will forever remember your laugh and even your yelling! LOL I’m going to miss you so much. I will miss waking you up in the morning just to annoy you. I will miss watching you have fun with the grandkids, and talking sports with you. So many memories I will treasure and be forever grateful to have shared with you. My hero is resting now in the arms of Jesus. Amen..
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
His
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. 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. 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 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 moved to “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 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.
“There are countless memories I’ll hold in my heart of my dear brother. However, one of the greatest memories occurred on November 18, 2018. I was honored to present Alvin with the prestigious honor of being the recipient of The VFWC 2nd Annual Charles Earl King Veterans Award. His service will forever be remembered.” Eternal Love, Charles King
“As I sit and reflect on my brother Alvin’s life I can’t help but give the good Lord above his honor, glory and praise for the 75 years he allowed us as a family to experience him. My brother was a stedfast man and he loved the Lord. He was a dedicated and devoted church member who stood on his word. Alvin was a man you could count on through thick and thin. We will miss him dearly. A special memory from Alvin that I would endlessly remember is when he would come to our house every Sunday to get a box of food that would have his name on it that my wife would prepare. He would stand in my living room for nearly an hour talking with me without taking a seat. Finally, after an hour, he would state that he was leaving to go visit our brother, Richard. I also remember how hardheaded he was growing up. We will forever miss and love you. Hug and kiss our parents for me.”
“Being your big sister brought my life such joy. I will miss preparing your specialty meal (stewed hen & jelly cake). No more walks with you to the car reminding you to call me when you arrive home safely. I will just cling to the beautiful memories.” Eternal Love, Betty Matthews
“Alvin always tells me every year jokingly, ‘I’ll be by to check out your garden, and tell you what you are doing wrong!" Eternal Love, Robert King
“There are many memories, but I remember every year on Christmas how happy Alvin was to receive the Fruit Cake that I had made for him. I enjoyed baking them.” Eternal Love, Edna Richardson
Eternal Love, Ray King
“Every Sunday evening after church he always came by my house and sat for one to two hours, usually talking about church and sports. He always greeted me saying, ‘I came to see my oldest brother.’"
Eternal Love, Richard King
“One of the things I will remember most about Alvin was his highly exaggerated storytelling of our family life in the days of our youth as told to our nieces and nephews, as well as the greats. Of course, they would seek out the other siblings to see whether the stories were true, as told by Alvin.”
Eternal Love, Sidney Roy King
PROCESSIONAL Dr. Burnett King, Pastor McKowen Baptist Church
SCRIPTURE READING Old Testament – Psalms 8:1-9 Pastor Milton Coats,, Magnolia Baptist Church New Testament - Revelations 14:13 Elder Henry E. Phillips, Magnolia Baptist Church
SELECTION Amazing Grace - Mt. Gideon Baptist Church Choir
PRAYER Deacon Richard King
PRAYER CHANT Mt. Gideon Baptist Church Choir
SELECTION Mt. Gideon Baptist Church Choir
MISTRESS OF CEREMONY Sister Gloria King
EXPRESSIONS As a Neighbor - Pastor Jimmy Drake, Refuge Ministry As a Deacon and Brother - Deacon Ray King
TRIBUTE FROM GRANDCHILDREN Chayce and Chandler Phillips
SOLO SELECTION Sister Nancy N. Armstrong
WORDS OF COMFORT Minister Sidney Roy King, Interdenominational Faith Assembly Pastor Olton A. Scott, St. Peter Baptist Church
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (OBITUARY READ SILENTLY) Sister Yolanda Vereen
Contacts:
RECOGNITION OF VISITING CLERGY Pastor Sterling Wrights, New Charleston Baptist Church
SOLO SELECTION Sister Nancy N. Armstrong
EULOGY Dr. Burnett King
FINAL VIEWING RECESSIONAL
To My Husband
I always knew that I’d love you forever. Right from the start, the love we shared was strong. That love helped us meet challenges together and held us close no matter what went wrong. But I never knew that love could grow so sweetly until we had a family of our own. I thought that I had loved you so completely – Until I saw this side, I’d never known… I don’t believe that I could ever measure the difference that your love’s made in my life. I only know there’s no greater treasure than the joy it’s given me to be your wife.
Active Pallbearers
HONORARY Pallbearers
Herbert Anny Donnell Barber Raylen Cage Cedric Harris Corey King Darren McKneely
Charles Chenier Washington Harris Charles King Ray King Richard King Sr. Robert King Sidney Roy King . Earle Phillips Alsee Richardson Nephews
The family of Alvin King, Sr., would like to express our deepest appreciation for the prayers, support, and encouragement as we grieve the loss of our beloved Alvin. We are grateful for all those who provided support during his time of illness. Special thanks to the medical team at Baton Rouge General Medical Center for their compassion and care. We are also thankful for the outstanding medical care provided by Dr. Nnamdi Nwabueze.
Richardson Funeral Home 11816 Jackson St. Clinton, Louisiana
McKowen Baptist Church Cemetery 7325 Jones Connell Rd Saint Francisville, Louisiana
THERE WILL NO PUBLIC REPAST Celebrations Graphic Designs