Clifford was born to H.C. King Sr. and Louise "Wesa" King on Sept. 25, 1920, in Fort Worth. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1938, and from Texas Wesleyan College in 1947, with a degree in journalism. He married Marion Boyse in 1956.

Clifford started with the Star-Telegram when he was 9 years old, selling newspapers to help support his widowed mother and his siblings. Thus began his love for the newspaper business. He worked his way through the ranks of the Star-Telegram from a cub reporter, full-fledged sports writer, and finally sports editor. Through many of those years, he was also attending TWC. While at TWC, he was their official sports reporter from 1942 to 1943. His career was only interrupted with his service in the Army during World War II.

During his 36 years with the Star-Telegram, he was their representative for the Golden Gloves, taking the finalists to Chicago. He also covered the Buick Opening in Flint, Mich., was the originator of Pigskin Payday, on the committee for the Heisman Trophy, the board of the Star-Telegram Credit Union, covered the Southwest Football Conference, and helped host numerous visiting celebrities.

To his family he was the "Root Beer and Peanut Paddy" man. He was "Uncle June" to his nephews and "Paw Paw" to his granddaughter. He was the man with the ice cream and cookies to his devoted dogs, Muffin and Sissy. He was the gardener with hairpins to stick new grass blades down on his first new home's lawn. He was a proud father and grandfather when he watched his daughter and granddaughter graduate from college.

He had a quick wit and memory that entertained everyone, including the staff at the Vintage Nursing Home in Denton.

We know that he is in heaven, visiting and playing poker with is old cronies from the Star-Telegram, but we will still miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Dub King.

Survivors: Wife of 48 years, Marion; daughter, Vicki Davis; devoted son-in-law, Ed Davis, granddaughter, Nicole Davis; sisters, Jerry McWhorter and Ruth Evans; nieces, Peggy Jackson and Karen Barr; nephews, Ronnie Evans, Mike Evans, Greg Evans, David McWhorter and Andy King.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram on Sep. 4, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Clifford King

5 Entries

Frances Martin

September 12, 2005

Bob and I are saddened at your loss but are grateful that his days of pain are now over. I know he was loved by you all and will be missed. We extend our prayers and love to you Marion, Vicki, Ed, and Nicole.

Ray Jones

September 4, 2005

My father was a close friend of Clifford and I spent many hours with them at Anders Cafe years ago. My father was Ray B. Jones Manager of the Worth Theater.My smpathy to the family.

Bob Sonderegger

September 4, 2005

In 1968 I covered the Golden Gloves for the Tyler Courier-Times-Telegraph. This meeting led to my being interviewed for a job a few months later. For 10 years, I worked at the Star-Telegram through ownership and management changes. Clifford was the sports editor of the afternoon Star-Telegrm when I arrived and when he retired. I joined the morning staff but moved to the afternoon staff where I served as writer and deskman. I even left to the newsside for a year and Clifford took me back to do mid-cities coverage for the paper. Clifford knew everyone with a sports connection in Fort Worth and the state. He was an expert on college football as well as Fort Worth and Texas sports history. He was certainly an influence on my career. I especially appreciate him going to bat for me in 1976 which allowed me to go cover the Super Bowl in 1976. The entire journalism profession will miss Clifford King.

Kerry Ladd McDonald

September 4, 2005

Although I did not know Cliff well, he was very kind to me when I married his nephew, Gregory Cliff Evans. My condolences to the King, Evans and McWhorter families as I made some very lasting memories with them. Much love and God Bless you all in this time of sorrow.

Bobby Wilson

September 4, 2005

He was a wonderful person to work with when I was copy boy at the Star-Telegram in the late 60's to mid 70's. I use to say ""There's the king" when he would walk in the wire room.

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