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Billy King Obituary
Ret. USAF
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Billy James King will be held Monday, June 10, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel in Haughton, LA. Rev. Billy Pierce will be officiating the service. Interment will follow the service at Hill Crest Memorial Park with full military honors. The family will be receiving friends on Monday, from 10:00 until time of service at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel.
Billy was born on June 15, 1927 in Little Rock, Arkansas and passed away on June 6, 2013 at the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Bossier City, Louisiana following a two year battle with dementia. He was 85 years old at the time of his death.
Following graduation from North Little Rock High School in 1945, he enlisted in the Maritime Service and served with the US Merchant Marines. He joined the Air Force Reserve in 1948 and entered active duty in 1951, gaining his commission as a second lieutenant in 1953. Colonel King was a master navigator and amassed over 5000 hours of flying, with numerous decorations including the Bronze Star. He was stationed at Mather AFB, Carswell AFB, SAC Headquarters, Cheyenne Mountain, U-Tapao, Thailand, the Pentagon, and Barksdale AFB and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force in 1981 as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Eighth Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Colonel King continued his education at Louisiana Tech University and started a business in financial services before retiring a second time in 2008. He was an avid golfer and played many famous courses, but his favorite was his home course of Fox Run at Barksdale. He had 3 lifetime holes-in-one.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Zadie Hill King and James Earl King, his brothers Joesph, Raymond, and Robert, and his sister Ramona Woods.
Colonel King was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and his sons were his pride and joy. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Bettie Tucker King; his son Michael and wife Ann of Fort Collins, CO; his son David and wife Phoebe of Bedminster, NJ; and four grandchildren, Carson, Holden, Joshua and Samantha.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Barksdale golf course.
Memorials may be made in his name to the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home or to the donor's choice.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Fleniken and the Staff of Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home for their kindness and compassion while caring for our loved one.
You may share your condolences with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy King
Don Coote
August 4, 2013
Dear Betty, Billy and I first met at U-Tapao AB in Thailand in 1971. We became friends and even spent some leave breaks together even though we worked in different shops. Several years after leaving U-T and while I was at Carswell AFB, Billy called and asked me to come to the Headquarters and work for him in the Air Room. I was aware that he was re-assigned to 8th AF and we lost touch with each other. I've often thought of Billy as a super guy and send you my condolences on his passing. Don Coote, Dallas, Oregon
Donna Pylant
June 18, 2013
Didn't get to see him often, but remember how much fun Uncle Bill was. Always cheerful, and ready to talk about any subject under the sun. I'll miss him.
Sara Knox
June 14, 2013
Mrs King and Family - Billy was a wonderful financial guide during the years, and he was also so interesting to talk to. I have missed his guidance since he retired. Words cannot express the sadness, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Kolb
June 14, 2013
Betty,
I'm a first cousin from Tennessee. I'm so sorry to hear of Billy's death and want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and and the family at this time.
Larry Lewiston
June 10, 2013
Betty,
You and your husband were friends and he was our business accountant for many years. Our sympathy is extended to you and your family. Bill was always a pleasure to be with and was one of the nicest men that I have had the pleasure to know.
Michael Quigley
June 9, 2013
Sweet rest Mr. King. You were a caring neighbor, a friendly face that I always looked forward to on visits home. You were a thoughtful mentor, always offering advice and guidance as I navigated my early professional years.. But most of all, you were a role model as a loving husband, father, and friend. Thanks for everything. You will be cherished and missed.
In sympathy,
Michael Quigley (Atlanta, GA)
June 9, 2013
Bettie, Sue and I are sorry to learn of Billy's death and wish to extend our condolences..
Jim Dillingham
Beth & Bill Roberts
June 9, 2013
First Cousins. So near and yet so far away. But always the love is there. Betty and boys, Bill and I wish to send you our deepest sympathy. Wish we could attend the services but that is not possible. Our very best to you and your families.
Bill and Beth Roberts
Monticello, AR
For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud
June 9, 2013
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Billy James King our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Billy. And to Billy it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Korean and Vietnam Was while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Billy, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Billy's family and loved ones.
Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
John Adams, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
Karla Sullivan
June 9, 2013
Rest in Peace Mr. King. You were a wonderful neighbor, always a smile on your face and a friendly word. You will be greatly missed.
Brenda Mills
June 8, 2013
RIP Uncle Billy you will be missed.
Karen King - Crockett
June 8, 2013
RIP Uncle Billy Love always your niece Karen
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