Eddie KING

Family-Placed Death Notice

KING, Eddie Atlanta Artist "Bottle Art Eddie" Eddie King, 81, passed on Monday, February 4, 2013 at his home in Atlanta. Eddie, better known at 'Bottle Art Eddie', immersed himself in a colorful world filled with whimsical images, and vibrant acrylic swirls. Dressed in multi-colored frames, and sneakers, he was a beloved Atlanta celebrity. It was impossible to meet him and not forever be touched by his stories, charm, and warmth. From a bleak past, unimaginable to most of us, to the colorful world that he created, his journey was unparalleled. Eddie lived in a Jewish ghetto outside of Warsaw, Poland at the start of WWII. Much of his childhood was spent trying to outrun the Nazi's and escape eminent death. After witnessing unspeakable atrocities, luck and good connections brought Eddie to New York City in 1941. At the age of ten he was selling nylons, newspapers, Bibles, and earrings --- as a way of supporting his mother and younger brother. Unsurprisingly, he became a successful salesman respected by all, and loved by many, After retiring at the age of 70, Eddie found a passion for turning plain recycled bottles into true works of art. Each bottle, painted only with his fingers, tells a story of mystery, love, adventure, and everything in between. For Eddie, the bottles were a way to live out the childhood he never had. As Eddie and the bottles grew in popularity, he was able to sell hundreds of bottles each festival weekend. People weren't just buying the art bottles, they were enjoying having the opportunity to stand and chat with a vibrant, inspiring, and wise man with so much history to share. Eddie was a mentor to many in the arts community. He shared his life story and experiences to help others. He overcame immense obstacles and still lived life with a colorful and eclectic zeal. Eddie touched the lives of countless people, and will continue to do so through his art and the impressions he left in the hearts of all who knew him. Eddie is survived by his wife of 30 years, Adria Davenport; his three daughters, Paula King and Joy King, both of Syracuse, N.Y. Amy Hiott of Raleigh, N.C.; his son, Jeff King of Los Angeles, Ca.; a brother, Jerry Kozierow of Boca Raton, Fla.; a stepson, Travis Davenport of Atlanta, Ga., eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 12th at Southcare Cremation in Alpharetta, Ga. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jewish National Fund for Israel, NYC, N.Y. and the Muscular Dystrophy Association of America.