Henry Edward King, 73McGehee, AR

On Wednesday December 25th, 2024 Mr. Henry Edward King (Pete) passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was blessed to celebrate 73 years of life with family and friends. Henry was born on July 17th, 1951 in Dermott, Arkansas. He was the son of Thomas King and Gladys Estelle King and was the twenty second of twenty three children in their family.

Henry was preceded in death by his siblings, James king, Dorthy King (Carr), Dean King, Vernon King, Charlie King, Bernice King, and Daniel King.

He is survived by his brother Franklin King of Pine Bluff Arkansas, and his sisters, Patricia King (Ballinger) of Star City Arkansas, and Stella King (Thompson) of Rowher, Arkansas. He is also survived by his wife Barbara Lynne King of 49 years, in McGehee Arkansas.

Henry and his family moved around alot but as he got older he eventually moved off to New Mexico to go to trade school. Here he received his certificate in welding and eventually moved back to Arkansas. Henry married Barbara, (Brooks) King on May 30th, 1975. They eventually settled on D street in McGehee, Arkansas and raised their family there. They develeoped lifelong friendships with the families in town.

Henry primarily worked as a mechanic over the years beginning at Purdy’s Machine Shop followed by being one of the construction workers that helped build the Potlatch Paper Mill in Arkansas City. He continued his career here as a shift mechanic for 41 years. He retired in January of 2018 where he spent the rest of his time with his children and family. He was a faithful member of South Mcgehee Baptist Church for 49 years.

Henry or papaw as his grandchildren called him was very down to earth and was never afraid to say what was on his mind. Mr. Henry would do anything for anyone and would be willing to give the shirt off his back if needed. He loved crappie fishing with Barbara, and bass fishing with his kids and friends. He loved hunting, riding the levee, traveling, and going to concerts. Papaw was always ready to have a good family gathering where he could eat and see family.

Mr. Henry was a 32nd degree Mason in Mcgehee. He loved to spoil his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, espicially his wife Mrs. Barbara. Most importantly he trusted Jesus as his Savior, attended church, and read the bible regularly. Additionally Henry and Barbara spent
their free time watching old westerns or playing cards and domino’s. The legacy of Henry includes Sons, Lane King of Atlanta, Jeremy King of
Monticello, and Jason (Amanda) King of McGehee. His daughter Lisa (Bill) Jones of Crossett. Seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
Grandchildren include Sarah (William) Barfield, Brooks Jones, Katie Jones, Gage (Emily) Bolen, Conor King, Jacie King, and Baylee King.

The family will recieve friends during the visitation at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Home in Mcgehee Arkansas Monday, the 30th at 11:00 a.m. The
funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Brother Monta Kellebrew officiating. A private burial will follow at Black Creek Cemetary in Fountain
Hill where Henry will be laid to rest with the rest of the family.

Honored pallbearers will be Kim Davis, Wes Murphy, Brooks Jones, Gage Bolen, Conor King, and Bill Jones Honorary pallbearers will be William Barfield, Jacie King, Baylee King, Katie Jones, Sarah Barfield, Shawn Saldana, Ang Guzman, David Brooks, and Gabe Guzman.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Hospice care that kept him comfortable in his lasting moments.