Tris Kington, age 78 of Franklin, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025 at his residence. Crafton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 at 1pm at Franklin First Baptist Church, 303 East Cedar Street, Franklin, KY. Visitation will be from 3pm until 8pm Thursday and after 8am Friday at the church although the family will arrive at the church by 11am. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. A native of Hopkins County Kentucky, he was the son of the late Joe Neil Kington, Sr. and Mary Irene Beilies Kington. In addition to his parent, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters – Karen Sue Faith and Donna Lynn Alexander. Tris was a member of Franklin First Baptist Church where he previously served as deacon. For over 40 years Coach Kington was basketball coach and teacher with McLean County, Christian County, Union County, Simpson County all in Kentucky and Sumner County Tennessee. In his retirement his passion was supporting his grandchildren, listening to music and bird watching. He also volunteered his time for youth sports and various organizations. Survivors include his wife of 59 years – Anna Carol Kington of Franklin; daughter – Celeste Jones of Franklin, son – Derrick Kington (Anne) of Bowling Green; brother – Joe Kington of Madisonville, KY; sister – Marilyn Meyer (Charlie) of Georgetown, Indiana; grandchildren – Gracie Jones, Hanna Turner, Gabe Jones, Jackson Kington and Lola Kate Kington along with several nieces and nephews.
David Blake
June 3, 2025
So sorry to just be seeing this ..my condolences to Coach’s family.
Robert Sweeney
April 14, 2025
I was a student of Coach K (King). Coach K was young then but he was an old guy to us. Coach K told us over and over that one day he was going to have a specific conversation. As the semester went on, finally the weather preempted our class, and this was the day. Coach K spoke of attitude. I didn't expect that. We're a bunch of kids... This man planted seeds. Almost 50 years later I can say that next to my parents, Coach K was a significant influence. I wish that I'd had the opportunity to tell him...
Victor Jordan
April 11, 2025
Hello to the Kingston family. I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Kingston was one of the best people I ever met
He was a great coach and helped me alot.May in Rest in Peace.Joe I am gonna try and contact you.Loved y'all man.
Gertrude Brooks
March 28, 2025
He was a wonderful coach to my children Ernest Brooks and Philip Brooks he will be miss by family and friends. May HE REST IN PEACE.
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Janice Black
March 28, 2025
Tris kington left a huge footprint in each our hearts. We have always been grateful for the love, care, and contributions he brought to Portland High School. We will treasure our memories of the time we spent with him in basketball and as an amazing educator..just an outstanding man! From our family..we extend our deepest condolences, prayers of peace and comfort, and love now and in the days ahead.
The Black Family
Howard and Janice
Adam Black...Aaron Black..and Austin Black....especially Adam for the lifelong lessons he gained his sr year!! Always in our hearts.
Ben Marsh
March 28, 2025
Sending my condolences and deepest sympathy to Anna Carol & Celeste and the rest of the family.
Sam & Pat Carter
March 27, 2025
Prayers for the family
Gary Sanders
March 27, 2025
One of the greatest men I ever had the pleasure of having as a teacher at CCHS Class of 1977.
Bonnie Borth
March 27, 2025
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers .
Craig Harris
March 27, 2025
Genuine dude. Great coach. Impacted many. Loved my interactions with Tris. Prayers for all of his family.
- the ole' sportwriter
Bobby Halcomb
March 27, 2025
I won't be able to attend due to work but I wanted to send my condolences. Coach K was without a doubt one of the most influential teachers I ever had. He taught us about important life lessons, Kingtonisms he called them. I've never forgotten his Kingtonisms. He will forever be missed and always remembered.
Linda Perdue
March 27, 2025
With love, Linda perdue
Jana Hammock
March 26, 2025
Anna and Celeste, my heart goes out to both of you in the loss of your loved one. May God pour his love over you and show comfort to you now and in the days to come. Love to you both.
Allison Thweatt
March 26, 2025
Celeste, sorry for your loss
Allison Holt Thweatt
Sheila Beliles-Wall
March 26, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with Anna Carol,children and grandchildren. We ..all your family were proud of the good coach, husband, father and grandfather you were, but most of all the good Christian man you were. See you on the other side cuz.❤
Keith Brown
March 26, 2025
Coach was a great person, coach and friend. Rest easy my friend. Much Love.
Robin Kinnamon Dodson
March 26, 2025
Such a nice man and wonderful coach. Union County will miss you Coach.
Chris Young
March 26, 2025
Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. Know that God knows best. I love you all.
Judy Woodring
March 26, 2025
Prayers for his family. He had a long and successful career. Proud to have taught with at UCHS.
Sandra Johnson Catlett
March 26, 2025
Sure enjoyed him while he was at Union Count sorry for the family Sandra Johnson
Denise Hyer
March 26, 2025
So very sorry to learn of Tris' passing. My prayers are for your comfort and peace as well as for joyful memories to flood your hearts.
Psalm 16:11 -In Your ptesence there is fullness of joy.
Marsha Lovern
March 26, 2025
Coach Kington and his family were so helpful to the students in Union County. A great man, coach and friend
James Brown
March 26, 2025
Coach, you was good friend , mentor an coach! Rest Easy there’s no more pain and suffering!!
Penny (Hargrove) Reisinger
March 26, 2025
Coach Kington was a great teacher, coach and mentor to all who had the privilege of having him as their leader. His family will be in my prayers.
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