George Millard King Jr., 82, died peacefully at Wellmont Hospice House, Tuesday, January 7, 2014, after a month long illness. Mr. King was a lifelong resident of Bristol, Tennessee, and a member of First Presbyterian Church. George was born, September 18, 1931, son of Anna Laura Peyton and George M. King Sr. He was a 1949 graduate of Tennessee High School, where he was a member of the Tennessee High varsity basketball team. He attended Davidson College and graduated in 1953. Following college he served two years in the U. S. Army including a tour in Korea.
Upon discharge George returned to Bristol and married Peggy Love Rouse, the love of his life, and lived there throughout their 56 years of marriage. George’s professional life began with his employment in the King Brothers Shoe Company and E. W. King Company family businesses. Later he was the sole proprietor of a home maintenance business, “Let George Do It”. George was active in many community organizations beginning with Boy Scout Troop 3. He was a 26 year perfect attendance member and officer of the Kiwanis Club. He was the local president and Lt. Governor of TN/KY District. George and Peggy were 13 year sponsors and summer camp chaperones for the Tennessee High School Marching Band, a board member of Bristol Heart Association, The Paramount Chamber Players, and Friends of the Bristol Public Library.
Throughout his life George and Peggy pursued their love of adventure by traveling extensively in Europe and the United States. He was also an avid sports participant and fan of football, basketball and golf. For many years they attended the University of Tennessee football games with friends and followed the golf circuit. They spent seven winters in Tucson Arizona enjoying the cultural and sporting events, the natural beauty of the area and visiting friends. They loved being with their friends and entertaining in their home. George’s kindness and helping hand will be missed by all who knew him.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Laura and George M. King Sr.; sister, Nancy Jane King Parks and husband, Erskine Parks; and niece, Jane Warner. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Rouse King; sister, Laura Ann King Warner and husband, John of Bristol, Tenn.; nieces and nephews, George Parks and wife, Beth of Bristol, Va., Dr. Charles Parks of Bethesda, Md., Peggy Parks Cowan and husband, John of Rockford and Bristol, Tenn., Elizabeth Parks of Fairfax, Va., Susan Warner Bechdel and husband, Les of McCall, Idaho, and John Warner Jr. and wife, Mary of Johannesburg, South Africa. Additionally, many cousins, great nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends will miss George King. A Memorial Service is planned and will be announced at a later date. Condolences for the family may be sent and viewed by visiting www.BlevinsCares.com.