age 81 of Woodberry/ Hampton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord Saturday, December 30, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born December 9, 1942 to Henry T. King and Helen Marie Ables King. Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his best friend, Weldon Gray of Topeka, KS, and brothers-in-law, Dan Neely and Kenneth Neely of El Dorado. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda Neely King of Woodberry; one son, Kevin Thomas King and wife Miranda Bass King of Woodberry; one sister, Barbara King Blann and husband Laron of Fordyce; one aunt, Sue Houldridge of Sherwood; one sister-in-law, Kathy Neely McElroy and husband Mitch of Arlington, TX. He was blessed with four exchange student granddaughters, Franzi, Nina, Emilie and Mia, and great granddaughter, Ellie. He is uncle to Rusty Blann and wife Dorinda of Searcy, Aleta “Sissy” Blann Sanders and husband Ken of Fordyce, Ricky Blann and wife Amy of Fordyce, Sandy Blann of Fordcye, Tammy Powell of Arlington, TX, Chris Neely and wife Alicia of El Dorado, Becky Brantley of husband Jamie of Farmerville, LA. He was honored to be called Papaw by Erin, Megan and Kristen Carpenter, Elizabeth Gonzalez. He also had a host of extended family in Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas.
Henry had a life-long love of singing….at church, on the mower, in the car, or in the doctor’s office. He also loved to fish for bream, especially at Champagnole Creek. After his retirement from Amoco Oil/BP Petroleum Co he took up gardening at his home in Woodberry, where he loved to share his produce with people at church, family members, and various others in and around Hampton. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1960. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, reaching rank of sergeant. Henry was a member of Union Grove Assembly of God Church where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and of course, song leader. He loved youth, serving as a Cub Scout den leader in Texas City, TX, and a youth leader at Mainland Assembly of God Church in Hitchcock, TX.
Visitation will be Thursday 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday at Union Grove Assembly of God Church, 6038 Calhoun 137, Harrell, AR led by Rev. Rusty Blann and Rev. Beauford Rash. Interment will follow at Pickett Cemetery under the direction of Benton Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St.Jude’s Hospital.
