Coach Bill King, 82, a beloved coach and educator, died August 7, 2014 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Broadmoor Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Saturday at the church. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery in Louisville.
Coach King was born on February 17, 1932, in Weir, MS; the son of the late Harvey and Minnie King. A graduate of Central High School, Coach King served his country honorably during the Korean War in the U.S. Army. After serving his country, he graduated from Mississippi College, earning both his Bachelor and Master's Degrees. While at MC he was a member of the track team and held the discus record for 20 years. Coach King was honored to be named to the MC Sports Hall of Fame.
He began his education career at McComb High School before returning to Jackson where he began a 30 year association with the Jackson Public Schools. During his career with JPS he coached track, basketball and football. Upon retirement, he accepted a position at Jackson Academy where he continued his coaching skills for 25 years and taught Drivers Education.
Coach King was a seasonal Natchez Trace Park Ranger for 30 years and retired from the US Army Reserve, obtaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was a faithful member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. Coach King was an accomplished harmonica player and routinely played at Ridgeland Pointe and Gateway Rescue Mission. Coach King was known for his compassion, his love for his students and never met a stranger.
He will most be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, a cherished grandfather and beloved brother.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil King; sisters, Maxine Lyles, Betty Preston and Nell Bledsoe.
Survivors include: his wife of 50 years, Jean Sanders King of Madison; daughter, Rebecca Phelps and husband Michael of Brandon; son, Stephen King and wife Emily of Ridgeland; grandchildren, Abby, Heidi, Bennett, Maylee, Sam David and Emma Claire Phelps all of Brandon; sister, Elizabeth Roberts and husband "JR" of Raymond; sister, Cora Chaffin of Clinton; brother, Jimmy King and wife Diana of Brandon and numerous nieces and nephews.
