Albert Eugene “Gene” King, 96, of Fayetteville, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023 in Fayetteville. He was born July 26, 1927 in Springdale, AR to William Albert and Maggie Jane Reed King.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 66 years, Gloria Ann Lux King; and two sisters, Nellie Catherine Dillahunty and Doris Southerland.
Gene was a U.S. Army veteran (retired) having served in WWII, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. After his military career, he moved back to Arkansas and received his undergraduate degree in teaching and coaching at the University of Arkansas. He was a positive influence on many students’ lives from Huntsville, Winslow, Decatur, Mayflower, and Elkins. Gene also coached various sports in Texas, Oklahoma and Germany.
He is survived by three sons, Craig King of Portland, OR, Dennis King of Fayetteville, and Barry King of Elkins; a sister, Margaret Smith; caregiver for 23 years, Reyna Maloy; 2 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Beard’s Chapel.
Funeral services will be 12:30 PM Monday, November 6, 2023 at Beard’s Chapel with the Rev. Perry Hall officiating. Interment will follow in the Fayetteville National Cemetery with military honors.
Click here to read an article about Gene
Coach King was a great man. He loved his students and players. So many of us use the example Coach King gave us in how to be great human beings. The world has lost a shining star, but his legacy remains with the those who knew him
I’m very sorry to Coach King’s family for your loss. Coach King was a good man and great example. I remember when we first found out that a man from the military was going to be our new coach at Elkins. We thought he would run us like crazy. We soon found out that he was tough but fair. We knew he loved us. I always considered Coach a hero for that alone. He never bragged about his military exploits, though. I’ll never forget Coach King and will always be grateful to him. I’m sure the Lord is well pleased with Gene King.
Rest in Power Coach King.
My deepest sympathy for the passing of this great man. Coach taught us many things that went beyond sports.
You made differences in the lives of everyone who knew you.
I learned many life lessons playing sports at Winslow in the early 70’s with Coach King at the helm. Hard work, giving your all, and not quitting when things get hard in life are things that have carried me through life. Coach was young enough then to get into a stance and show you how it’s done. When we got “it” he would always praise us with these words “I’m a liking it”. We rode many miles on a yellow bus with Coach King at the wheel. Wouldn’t change it for nothing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Coach King’s family.
My deepest sympathy to the family and all who knew him. He was such a great person. May you rest in peace. You will be dearly missed.
My prayers go out to Coach King’s family. He was such a positive influence on me as a teenager that when I think of the teachers I had, he always comes to mind as one of my favorites. He was always fair, and he loved his music. Taught me how to handle albums the correct way.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Coach King’s Family. Coach King was a wonderful man that made all feel like NOTHING wasn’t attainable. As a teenager in high school you didn’t always recognize tough love but he was the best at it. He never missed the opportunity to make sure you grew to your max! He encouraged a “reach” that you never knew you had within yourself. Lessons that we all learned from him impacted the balance of our lives – Love you Coach – you will be missed by many!
Coach King was a man of many talents. He was hard when he needed to be and understanding when he needed to be. Always there to listen if you needed someone to talk to. He had a awesome record collection. A great man a great coach and a great friend, he will be missed.
I recall one game where Elkins was Fourth and one yard to go. Coach King sent in a play to run up the middle for that one yard. Scott Smith came into the huddle, heard that play call and said, “that left corner back isn’t very good and I’m abusing him.” Kevin called Gangster Pass left. Scott was the back running across the formation. Kevin hit him in stride.
Scott took it 45 yards to the house.
I heard later that Coach King said at the start of the play “No! No! No! Well okay! Good call!”
‘Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.’ S. Adler
Coach, thank you for always leading with your heart and creating opportunities for so many of us to believe there was nothing we could not do. You loved each of us and you leave this world a much better place because YOU lived your life fully, humbly, and selflessly. The stories we share allow your impact to continue and your memory to live on.
I love you.
Sean
Coach made a huge impact on so many through the years. He was so wise and so capable of getting through to young people. I will never forget him “chewing me out” because I didn’t want to try something new. He told me”Your problem is that you want to already be good at it before you start. You can’t get good without practice! You have to start where you are and go on from there.”
My deepest condolences to his family.
Coach King was a special person and influenced my life. While coaching/teaching at Elkins, he trusted me to run errands at school, make copies on the mimeograph, and work in the coachs’ office. (it was air-conditioned, so that was a nice perk. One day, I returned to class and didn’t realize the students called me the teacher’s pet. He turned it into a game and made life much easier for me. is trust, love, and care made a difference in my life. To the King family, thank you for sharing Coach with us.
I had the privilege of playing for Coach King his first year at Winslow. It was a pleasure to be able to do so. He was always encouraging, enthusiastic and (it seemed to me) incredibly patient and understanding, both as a coach and a principal.
I am sure he will be missed greatly by those who loved him.