And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NKJV
Tang’s LIFE LIST
MASTER BARBER • SHARP TO THE END
"For I am sure that neither death nor life ... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
•The Precision Cut
Anthony Dewayne “Tang” King was born to the late Joan on September 1, 1979. Anthony was named by his older brother Michael heartfelt blend of his two older brothers’ middle names, symbolizing the bond they shared from the very beginning. That sense of family never left him. He carried it into every corner of his life.
•SHARP IMAGE GROOMING
Anthony began his formal education in the South Panola School District of Batesville, Mississippi, where he laid the foundation for a life marked by ambition, with a willingness to rise above his circumstances. His pursuit of higher learning led him to Arkansas Baptist College, Little Rock, Ark, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. College life was a joyful chapter for Anthony one filled with growth, camaraderie, and pride. During this time, he became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., embracing its principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.
•THE PREUMIUNM FADE
Fueled by a deep love for craftsmanship and a commitment to community, Anthony went on to attend Washington Barber College in Little Rock, Arkansas. There, he refined his technique and earned his credentials as a licensed professional barber. For Anthony, barbering wasn’t just a job it was a calling. He brought excellence, precision, and hands-on care to every cut. His dedication eventually led him to become a licensed barber instructor, passing on his skills and passion to the next generation.
Anthony wasn’t just a barber he was the heartbeat of his neighborhood. A master of his craft and a master of connection, he turned every haircut into a conversation and every visit into a celebration. His shop was more than a business; it was a sanctuary of laughter, stories, and belonging. Clients became friends, and friends became family. His greatest pride was his children, whom he adored and spoke of often. Anthony’s love for his boys and princess was unwavering. His legacy extends far beyond the barber’s chair.
Through initiatives like Southwest Day Free Haircuts, Back-to-School Cuts, Toys for Tots, and Treat or Trunk, Anthony gave generously to the community that shaped him. He partnered with Under Round Radio, sharing stories and laughter alongside It’s a Mackin podcast host Bartier Kashh, amplifying voices and spreading joy. As a mentor, Anthony guided young men toward barber licenses, offering not just skills but confidence, purpose, and hope. He believed in second chances, fresh starts, and the power of good fade to change someone’s day.
Anthony’s memory lives on in every life he touched, the echoes of his laughter, the lessons he shared, and the love he poured into his craft.
• The Master’s Edge
Anthony King passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and community. Awaiting him with open arms is his mother, Joan King Key; his father, Jerry Watson; his bonus mom, Henrine Battle-Watson; his bonus dad, Jerry Key; his paternal grandparent, James Jackson, Sr. and Mae Ella Watson and maternal grandparents; Maxine Jones and Rev. Wesley King and his sister, Shervedia Reeves.
•THE Sculpted STRANDS
Above all, he cherished his children. They were his joy, his motivation, and his greatest legacy. His outgoing nature, infectious smile, and love for life will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory is cherished by his children, Anthony “TJ” King, Jr, Jachin King, Malaqi King, and Khole Brown King; His siblings; Michael (Lakeisha) King, Jeffrey King, Eric (Sandra) Key, Jerry Key, Terry Key, Lorenzo Rogers, Maxine Oby, Lindsey Wolfe, Derrial Ellis, Jeremy Cosby and Jermia Watson. A special friend, Brittney Mitchell, a devoted brother- friend, Bryce Hicks and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, extended family, and a community that will miss him dearly.
“He lived loud, loved deeply, and left a mark that will never fade.”
Order of Service
Sunday, October 5, 2025│ 1PM
COOLEY’S MOTUARY CHAPEL
Rev. Michael King, Officiating Rev. Tyrone Love, Sr., & Agenda Guide
PRELUDE & PROCESSIONAL
Ministers and Family
MUSICAL SELECTION
Nelson Chapel MB Church Choir
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE
Rev. Tyrone Love, Sr.
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE
Rev. Larry Key
PRAYER
Eric Key
MUSICAL SELECTION
Nelson Chapel MB Church Choir
EXPRESSIONS, 3 minutes please
Family: James Watson
Friend: Bryce Hicks
Brother: Lorenzo Rogers
Father: His Children
RESOLUTIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Turquoya Jones
WORDS OF ENCOURAGMENT
Rev. Clara Pope
OBITUARY, Read Silently
MUSICAL SELECTION
Nelson Chapel MB Church Choir
EULOGY
Minister Michael King
RECESSIONAL
“He Moved Like Music”
He didn’t walk he grooved. Every step carried rhythm, every laugh held bass.Joy was his uniform, worn loose and loud, unapologetically his, like a favorite hoodie. They called him Tang — sweet, bold, and a little wild. Just like his stories. No schedule could hold him; no suit could tame him. He was barefoot brilliance, A backyard philosopher. He showed that freedom isn’t a place— It’s a vibe. In the way he said, “I’m good” and meant it. He loved hard, joked harder, and left behind stories that still make folks laugh. He was the uncle who roasted with love, The brother who showed up without needing a reason, The friend who turned silence into a soul session. Now he’s somewhere laughing with the ancestors, playing spades with Kobe and Marvin Sease, Telling God a joke so good, Even the angels had to clutch their sides. So don’t mourn him with whispers
Celebrate him with music, with flavor, with a toast to the man who made life Feel like a summer block party. He didn’t just live. He lived out loud.
“He Was the Life in Our Days”
In memory of a dad who never met a stranger He didn’t just enter a room— He arrived, with a grin that could outshine the sun, and a voice that turned silence into celebration. He was the loudest cheer at our games, The first to crack a joke at the cookout, The one who’d dance like nobody was watching—Even when everyone was. He made friends like magic, taught us that kindness wears sneakers, and that real strength is found. In showing up, showing love, and showing off your best moves.
He had a story for every occasion, A nickname for everyone he loved, and a laugh so contagious, it still echoes in our hearts. He didn’t believe in small talk
Only big love, bold joy, And the kind of hugs that made you feel. Like you mattered most. Now the world feels quieter, but we carry his volume in our veins. We speak louder, love harder, and live fuller—because he showed us how. So, here’s to the dad who was never just a dad He was the party, the pep talk, the peace. He was our favorite hello, And now, our most unforgettable goodbye.
Brother
It’s been hard it's been the hardest thing to lose you , you meant so much to us. But you are in our heart, brother and that's where you will always be. We know that heaven called you, but we wish you could have stayed, at least the memories we have of you, they will never fade. We did not want to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. Because a part of us went with you. When Heaven called you home .so just remember one thing, we are not apart and you're with us in our memories and in our broken heart.
Love always,
Broken Chain
We little knew that day, God was going to call your name. In life, we loved you dearly, In death, we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone. For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.
Love You Always,
“For Our Uncle, Who Lived Loudly”
“Our
Wonderful Nephew”
He wasn’t just a nephew
He was a spark, a song, a breeze. A burst of laughter in the room, A heart that danced with ease. He wore his joy like favorite shoes, He asked big question. Made ordinary days feel grand.
He wasn’t one for quiet halls, He filled a room with jokes and calls. A booming laugh, a sideways grin— You always knew when he walked in. He made you laugh before you’d blink. But more than laughs, he gave us heart
A steady hand, a work of art. He showed up when the chips were down, No need for medals, cape, or crown. He loved too big, he lived too fast,
But oh, the memories that last. We hold them close, we speak his name.
So, here’s to you, dear Uncle Tang bold, With stories wild and hugs that hold.
You may have left this earthly place, But in our lives, you still leave trace.
He’d prank you, hug you, lift you up— with a gentle hand. He loved with all he had to give, no holding back, no fear.
And when you needed someone close, You’d turn and he was near.
Now silence echoes where he stood, But memories bloom instead. In every laugh, in every breeze, We feel the life he led.
So here’s to Tang , our shining star, Too bright to ever fade. We carry him in every step, In every choice we’ve made.
“THE LAST CUT”
The chair stands still, the cape hangs low, No buzz, no hum, no steady flow. The mirror waits, the combs aligned, A craft, a gift, a life defined.
He shaped more than just a fade, Each snip a story gently laid. From boys to men, from gray to gold, His hands held tales yet to be told.
The final trim, the last clean line, A silent nod, a sacred sign. No need for words, the clippers knew— This cut was love, pure and true.
So rest those hands, so deft, so kind, Your legacy lives in every line.
The shop may dim, the echoes fade, But hearts remember what you made.
He knew the weight of a fresh clean fade, of shaping pride with each blade laid. His price list told a story too— "Taper: $40, Line-Up: $20," and wisdom free with every do.
He joked, he prayed, he gave advice, His chair a pulpit, calm and nice. From first cuts to final rites, Tang lit up lives with light.
So, here’s to the man who trimmed with grace, Who left a mark no time can erase. The clippers rest, the cape now still—
But Tang’s touch forever will.
Lawrence Webb
Fred Collins
Marcus Govan
Eric Key
King Jeffery King
Earl Jones, Jr.
Marcus Jones
Ladarius Smith
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Torrie
Avis Govan
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Jeremy Cosby
James Watson
Jerry Key, III Fred
Jamarcus King Larry
Thank You!
James Watson, Jr.
We, the family of Anthony “Tang” King, would like to thank you all for your kindness and support during the loss of our loved one. We appreciate your prayers, calls, text, and cards during this difficult time. Nothing you have done for us has gone unnoticed. Your kindness, encouragement, and heartfelt condolences have been a source of strength and comfort during this difficult period. We are deeply thankful for our friends, family, neighbors, and church family whose generous hearts and supportive actions helped us navigate our grief. Your caring words, thoughtful gestures, and ongoing presence have made an indelible difference in our hearts. Thank you for standing with us in our time of need. Special thanks to Brittney Mitchell, Jeremy Cosby, Kristie Brown, and Lorenzo Rodgers, Barabra Watson, Janet Jones, Minister Rodney Johnson, Pope Chapel AME Zion Church Usher Ministry, Antioch MB Church and West Camp MB Church Usher Ministry, Nelson Chapel MB Church Choir Ministry.
Committal & Final Resting Place
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Courtland, MS
Repast
Nalette Events, Batesville, MS
