Mr. John W. King, known to some as “J. W.” and to close friends and family, simply as” J” was born to the late Willie and Grace King on May 12, 1927 in
Orange, TX. He departed this life on August 27, 2019 at his residence in Orange.
His sisters, Mrs. Gloria Hayes Floyd, Mrs. Willeola King Lewis, Mrs. Geraldine Sledge and brother, Rev. Glyn R. King, also preceded him in death. He was married to Ms. Annie B. Teal for over 57 years and she also preceded him in death.
He attended Moton High School and upon graduation attended Tyler Barber College. He earned a B.S. Degree from Southern University and did additional undergraduate work at Newark State College in New Jersey. He studied computer science at Lamar State College Orange for several years. He retired from the US Army after over 21 years of active military service. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He served in Korea, Okinawa, Japan, Germany, and Italy. He also served in many other places in the United States and was a Viet Nam era veteran. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in the Reserves in 1959. After retiring from the army, he taught school in New Jersey and later returned home and worked 20 years as a Senior Laboratory Technician for the Chevron Chemical Co. of Orange. An avid golfer, he often shot in the seventies and won many trophies. He scored a hole in one in 1969. He was reared in a Christian home as a Baptist but converted to Catholicism in 1972. He was active in St. Therese Catholic Church, sang in the choir, served as a lector and held several responsible positions there at one time or another. He was a member of the F.A.C.E. Committee, The Military Officers of America, and The American Legion Post No. 49, a Life member of the NAACP. He served twice as a Housing Commissioner for the city of Orange Housing Authority. He also served on the Orange County Historical Commission, The City of Orange Comprehensive Master Plan Committee and was the finance chairman for the Hollywood Community Cemetery Association. Forever taking time to help others, he served many years as an after school tutor in the Partners in Education program of the WOC Independent School District. For many years, he could be seen early in the morning walking up and down 26th street with a bag, which he used to place debris that he removed from the street. While walking, he would place the morning paper in the doorway of older and handicapped neighbors along 20th Street. His maxim for life was: If you want to feel real good, do something good for someone in need.”
In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to St. Therese Catholic Church general fund in his name.
Forever cherishing his memory, he leaves behind, one son, Bruce King (Glenna)of Georgetown, TX, 3 grandchildren, Stormy Kretzschmar (John) of College Station, TX, Justin Fry (Carla) of Jarrell, and Rebecca Ann Johnson of Houston, TX, 9 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
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