Robert Wayne King

Robert Wayne King was born on April 21, 1943, to the late Mary Anna Jefferson and Emmett King in Sheffield, Alabama. He was raised while still a young child, who he was very fond of, by his stepfather, Rufus Jefferson.

Robert accepted Christ at an early age and was very active in the church his entire life.  Robert received his formal high school education from Burrell-Slater school in Florence, Alabama and attended a counselor education program at Trenton State College in New Jersey where he became a certified counselor.  After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served most of his military career in Vietnam.  Robert was employed and retired from the United Postal Service.  In the mid-30s, he met the love of his life and long-time companion, Betty Jo King.  To this union, they were blessed with two children:  Erick and Marilyn.  Over his life, he developed a lifelong love for counseling as a certified Alcoholism Counselor, C.A.C., a love for mentoring youth and adults, serving as a Boy Scouts leader, serving in many capacities in his church:  Mt. Hope Baptist Church, and serving as an active member on the Burrell-Slater Alumni committee.  He also enjoyed writing in which he published two books: “Rise, Shine, & Give God the Glory” and “The Last Days are Forever and Present” where he discussed a black family’s triumph overcoming alcoholism and God’s goodness, grace, and mercy.

Robert Wayne King departed this life on Friday, May 19, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his mother:  Mary Anna Jefferson and his stepfather: Rufus Jefferson.

He leaves to cherish his memories:  his wife, Betty Jo King of Sheffield, Alabama; one son, Erick Dewayne King of Athens Alabama; one daughter, Dr. Marilyn Joyce Flynn of Lakeland, Tennessee; one son in law, LaSedric Flynn of Lakeland, Tennessee; two grandchildren:  Demarcio Lewis of Tuscumbia, Alabama and Kawhi Flynn of Lakeland, Tennessee; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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