Reverend Edward “Kenneth” King, age 84, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 27, 2020.  

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Billye Lou Tullock King in 2016, daughter: Shelia King Cranfield in 1987, parents: William and Lillie Mae (Henry) King, and siblings: Herbert King, Evelyn “Tootsie” Graves Minnis, Betty Jean Wattenbarger all of Athens, Geneva Pierce of Cleveland, OH, and niece Rachel Wattenbarger also of...

Reverend Edward “Kenneth” King, age 84, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 27, 2020.  

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Billye Lou Tullock King in 2016, daughter: Shelia King Cranfield in 1987, parents: William and Lillie Mae (Henry) King, and siblings: Herbert King, Evelyn “Tootsie” Graves Minnis, Betty Jean Wattenbarger all of Athens, Geneva Pierce of Cleveland, OH, and niece Rachel Wattenbarger also of Athens. 

He is survived by his son: Eddie (Gayle) King, grandchildren: English (Derrick) Cranfield Roberts, Blake Cranfield, and Jessie King. great-grandchildren: Briar, Titan, Honor, and Valor Roberts, and son-in-law: Darryl Cranfield, all of Decatur, Sisters: Joyce Newman of Athens, and a host of nieces and nephews. Special lifelong friends and neighbors: Bobby and Sara Lou Dennis of Decatur. 

“Preacher King” surrendered to his call to preach at 17 years old. He joined Union Grove Baptist Church on July 3, 1955 and was licensed to preach on March 4, 1961 and began pastoring at the same church in 1966. During his ministry, he pastored and served as interim pastor to numerous churches in our region over his 50+ years in the ministry.   

He worked as a machine operator for 25 years at Thomas and Betts in Athens.  His hobbies included: gardening, farming, cutting wood, and serving others.

A very special thank you to his caregivers: Cary, Brandon, Anne Marie, Angie, Rachel, Melanie, Wendy, Heather, James, and Charlie his Hospice nurse for helping him remain in his home over the last 8 years. 

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1,2020 in the chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services with his nephews the Rev. Gary King and Rev. Earl Graves officiating, who will not be able to attend due to medical reasons, but will send their messages to be spoken. Interment will follow in the McMinn Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will include: Eddie and Jessie King, Blake and Darryl Cranfield, Derrick and Briar Roberts.

The family will receive friends from 12-1 p.m. prior to the service.

Due to Covid 19 regulations we ask that you bring and wear your mask during the service and practice social distancing.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the King Family.

Please go to www.decaturfuneralsandcremations.com and sign the guest book and offer your condolences. Arrangements entrusted to Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 423-334-3661.