Obituaries

Vernon James King

Vernon James King, 93, of Pocahontas, passed away December 15, 2012 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale surrounded by family members. He was born September 4, 1919 in Warm Springs, Arkansas to James Franklin and Hattie Burrow King. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pocahontas. Vernon attended Pocahontas public schools, graduating in 1936. He was a member of the University of Arkansas Class of 1940, where he graduated with a degree in Accounting and was a member of the Gamma Upsilon chapter of Sigma Nu. Vernon also graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1943. He served in the United States Army in World War II before returning to Pocahontas where he practiced law, worked at Pocahontas Federal Savings and Loan, and helped run the family owned Kings Department Store. Vernon was very active in a number of civic and community endeavors, including serving on the Chamber of Commerce, the Pocahontas Water and Sewer Commission and the School Board, as well as the Pocahontas City Attorney. He was a former president of the Pocahontas Rotary Club, of which he was a member for more than 50 years. Vernon also was instrumental in the formation of Rolling Hills Country Club, where he was an enthusiastic member. He was an avid golfer and a renowned pie maker. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Hattie King; his wife of 40 years, Martha Pickens King, who passed away in 1983; his son Vernon James (Jim) King, Jr.; and his sister, Berniece King Limbaugh. He is survived and loved by his family: his wife, Mary Nell Spikes King, to whom he was married in 1990; one son, William (Bill) Craig King, of Cordova, Tenn.; one daughter, Ann King Lawnin and husband Jim, of The Woodlands, Texas; one daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Smith King of Johnson, Ark.; grandchildren, James Winston King and wife Jackie of Arlington, Va., Martha Ellen King Myers and husband Jeff of Springdale, Ark., Lindsay King Montierth and husband Eric of Covington, Tenn., Nelson Reynolds Lawnin and wife Brittany of Houston, Texas, William Carter Lawnin of Atlanta, Ga., and Elizabeth Ann Lawnin of Houston, Texas. Four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter also survive. The family would like to thank all those who provided exceptional care to Vernon over the last few years of his life, including his medical professionals, the caregivers in the family home in Pocahontas, and the staff at both Jamestown Nursing and Rehab in Rogers, Ark., and Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m., December 18th, 2012 in the Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas, officiated by Rev. Victor Green. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 400 Thomasville Ave, Pocahontas, Ark. 72455 or to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762. McNabb Funeral Home was in charge of making arrangements.

Published December 19, 2012

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