Tommy Aaron King

Tommy Aaron King's greatest joy in life was his family.

Tommy Aaron King, 89, was born in Woden, Texas, on March 9, 1936, to Nelson Madison and Ora Dell Wagstaff King. He was the youngest of their five children. Tommy's parents instilled in him two lasting values: a deep love for the Lord and a strong work ethic. His mother, affectionately known as "Momma King," lived her faith daily and taught her children the power of prayer. His father, "Daddy King," was a grocer, and Tommy would eventually follow in his footsteps, building a career in the grocery business.

Tommy's childhood was filled with simple joys-attending school in Woden, swimming in the creek, and making lifelong friendships-all blessings from the Lord that shaped his early years.

Tommy's life turned all the sweeter when, on one fateful day, while working at Lindy's Grocery, located on the corner of Mound and King Streets, a beautiful young woman who was in town visiting her aunt happened to walk into the store. Their eyes met, and Tommy became enamored with an already engaged Carolyn Sue Still. He must have made quite an impression on Carolyn, because a few months later, he called her up and asked her on a date. Needless to say, Carolyn broke off her engagement. Very soon after, Tommy walked into Kennedy's Jewelers, where Mr. Kennedy allowed Tommy to take three engagement rings home for Carolyn to choose from. On November 24, 1960, Tommy and Carolyn were married in the home of Carolyn's beloved Aunt Euzelia.

Tommy and Carolyn welcomed Cammie Renee, the first of their four children, the following year. Just hours after Cammie was born, Tommy had to pull himself away to report to Fort Polk, as he was committed to serving in the National Guard. Two years later, a son, David, Kenton King, was born. Tommy and Carolyn loved married life and raising their children; however, their family was not yet complete. Michael Craig King was born seven years later, and then, just 16 months later, came a sweet surprise with the birth of their baby girl, Carol Denise. With their four children, their family was now complete.

Tommy and Carolyn created memories for a lifetime when they would load everyone up in the station wagon (whose radio seemed to play only the likes of Elvis Presley and Marty Robbins) and set out on the annual family vacation to visit Carolyn's family in Marietta, Georgia. In December 1975, just days before Christmas, Tommy and Carolyn moved their family, along with a fully decorated Christmas tree, into a beautiful, newly built home situated on a large lot in the subdivision located at Woodland Hills Golf Course. The neighborhood became the best playground and would later become the catalyst for their kids to develop a love for the game of golf, although one of them loves tennis a little more. Since the children were always outside playing, they knew they had to abide by one important rule: listen for their father's whistle to know when it was time to come home. Tommy and Carolyn often said that being able to live in that home and raise their children there was nothing but a blessing from the good Lord. Their nine grandchildren, too, have fond memories of playing in that big, beautiful, manicured lawn that Tommy loved to tend.

Though devoted to family, Tommy was also a hard worker. After years of working for others in the grocery business, he decided it was time to open his own grocery store with his friend and business partner, Marion Stevens. In 1962, he and Marion opened the doors to K&S Grocery on the corner of South Street and Fredonia. The store offered fresh produce and a butcher shop, but more than that, it became a gathering place where Tommy's reputation for kindness and integrity flourished. Tommy had many faithful and loyal customers, some of whom would visit him daily, whether groceries were needed or not. Many humorous stories and jokes were shared in that store. These patrons became lifelong friends of Tommy.

After Tommy and Carolyn retired, they took countless road trips travelling all around the country. They especially loved the beauty of the Colorado mountains in the fall and the entertainment in Branson, Missouri. In 2001, they enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Europe, where they toured Germany, France, Switzerland, and England.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Nelson (Sybil) King, Joyce (Leroy) Garner, Sue (Bob) Garner, and Jim (Christine) King.

Tommy leaves behind the love of his life for sixty-four years, Carolyn, and his beloved children: Cammie (Paul) Hicks of Richmond, Texas; Kent (Karen) King of Hudson; and Carol (Terry) Matthews of Douglass. Tommy has been reunited with his dearly departed son, Craig (Sharrone). His children will miss the daily check-in phone calls and the questions, "What's the temp outside?" and "What gas mileage are you getting?" Tommy loved and doted on his grandchildren, and he and Carolyn never turned down an opportunity to babysit: Kyle (Cordova) King, Clay (Lauren) Hicks, Chris (Nicole) King, Cole (Lindsey) Hicks, Kalyn (Jared) Johnson, Cooper Lily) Hicks, Bryce (Logan Ivy) Barham, Luke (Malia) Barham, and Britt King. Tommy was also proud to be Papa to his ten great-grandchildren. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all of whom deeply loved him.

Pallbearers will be Kyle King, Chris King, Clay Hicks, Cole Hicks, Cooper Hicks, Luke Barham, Britt King, and Sergio Alva. The family would like to acknowledge Tommy's compassionate and loving caregivers: Torrie Gibson, Tina Miller, Mechelle Roberts, Dr. Mark Cline, and Erin Somerlatte, PA.

Tommy Aaron King left his earthly home on September 17, 2025. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. If you knew him, you loved him. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 22, at Laird Funeral Home, with Paul Hicks officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM , with the service to follow at 11:00. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charites, Search Ministries-Houston Area, and Calvary Baptist Church, Nacogdoches.