Holton Smith King

Holton Smith King, age 78, of Clarkesville, Georgia passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center due to complications from Myelofibrosis.

Mr. King was born in Shellmound, Mississippi on November 2, 1933; he was the son of Lamar Ryan and Edna Smith King.

"Gramps" as he was known, graduated from Greenwood, Mississippi High School in 1951. A superb baseball player, he was invited to join the Brooklyn Dodgers Class A team in Greenwood. He chose instead to serve with the United States Army. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he completed his military career as an IS Operator in the 351st Recon Communications unit. After serving, he dedicated his working life to Scovill Manufacturing where he was employed from 1958-1994. He was a charter member of the Joseph Habersham Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Grant Reeves V.F.W Post #7720.

His fondness for reading, NASCAR, and computer games was only surpassed by his love for attending his grandkids' activities. He especially enjoyed the spelling bees, voice and piano recitals, musicals, concerts, and the hundreds of basketball, football, softball, and baseball games that he attended.

A long time member of Hills Crossing Baptist Church, he was diligent in service after becoming saved and baptized later in life. He was active in the Wednesday night Awana program, his Sunday School class, mission trips to Colorado and Bay Saint-Louis, Mississippi and Good News after school programs.

He was preceded in death by his wife whom he was married to for 16 years but faithful to for life, Sadie Vest King, parents, Lamar Ryan and Edna Smith King, and mother-in-law, Lillian Bishop.

Survivors include, sons and daughters-in-law, Holton and Becky King and Lance and Jessica King; brother, Lamar Ryan King; brother and sister-in-law, Basil and Ada King; sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Billy Fondren; grandchildren, Andrew and Erin King Ryals, Mitchell King, Haley King, Carter King, Eli King and Sadie King.

Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, Hills Crossing Baptist Church with Rev. Walter Singletary officiating. Honors will be provided by Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, and military honors by the Georgia National Guard.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the Hills Crossing Building Fund at 3569 Toccoa Hwy, Clarkesville, GA 30523 or to the Clarkesville Library 178 East Green Street, Clarkesville, GA 30523.

Those who wish to express online condolences to the King family may do so by visiting our website at www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.