Obituary

Eddie L. King, Sr.

September 16, 1936 - June 27, 2021

Eddie was born September 16, 1936 in Mississippi and spent his early years in North Little Rock, AR .  As a young man, Eddie excelled to be one of the top athletes in the state of Arkansas.  He was an outstanding football player and track star.

Eddie’s hard work earned him a scholarship to Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA to play football, where he would continue to excel both academically and athletically.  In 1960-61 he was a part of the SWAC and National Black College Championship. Eddie became a member of Kappa Alpha Phi Fraternity Incorporated while at Southern University in 1960. He earned a Bachelors of Arts in Recreation in 1961.  In 2003, he was inducted into Southern University Athletic Hall of Fame, an outstanding honor.

Southern University is where a lovely young lady by the name of Clara O’Neal Harvey would catch Eddie’s eye.  It wouldn’t be long before the two would be united in marriage on June 3, 1961.  To this union would be born three handsome sons; Rodney, Reggie and Eddie, Jr.

Eddie was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1962 where he served his country. Afterwards, he would move his young family to Kansas City, MO.  He would work in the recreational field of community services, including the development of youth and programs for seniors for over 40 years in the Kansas City area and retired in 2007.  In 2007, Eddie and Clara moved to Franklinton, LA .

Eddie was a devoted deacon at both Christ Temple Church in Kansas City, KS and Bethel Church of Christ Holiness USA in Franklinton, LA for over 50 years.  He was honored with the “Man Of The Year” award in 1988 for outstanding service to his Local Church, District, Diocese and National Convention.

Eddie was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing anytime.  He was a member of the KC Swingers and the Spring Gang while living in Kansas City.  He was instrumental in starting the Ross Golf Classic, held in Franklinton during the Artis & Emma Harvey Family Reunion.

Eddie was preceded in death by his mother, Verna Lee Davis (Granny) and his brother, Bill King.

Eddie departed this life for his home in Heaven on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

Eddie leaves to cherish his devoted wife, Clara O. King; three sons:  Rodney D. King of Baton Rouge; Reginald D. King of Baton Rouge; and Eddie L. King, Jr. (Stephanie) of League City, TX; four granddaughters, Ashley King of Kansas City, MO; Krystal King of Dallas, TX; Grace King and Emma King of League City, TX; three grandsons, Rodney D. King, Jr. of Baton Rouge LA; Rondrick D. King of Kansas City, MO; Reginald D. King, Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA, one great-granddaughter, Julianna Henderson of Kansas City, MO and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A visitation on Friday, July 2, 2021 from 2:00PM – 5:00PM followed by a family hour from 5:00PM – 6:00PM at Bethel Church of Christ Holiness.

Funeral service will be Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 11:00AM at Bethel Church of Christ Holiness with Eld. Alvin Partman – Pastor Offciaiting. Interment – Bethel Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home – Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.