Gary Presley King

It was the day after Valentine Day, February 15, 1949. Solon "Pete" and Sarah Frances Thigpen King had married in 1941, which was a little later than most of their contemporaries. That being said, they welcomed new life into their family with the birth of their son and only child Gary Presley King. Gary was born into a family that had a deep connection to the rural areas of western Coweta County Georgia. His dad's daytime job was at Jones' Motor Company in Newnan and his mother was a teacher at Western School. The King homeplace was in the Welcome Community where Pete loved working the land and his wfe's family, the Thigpens, had planted roots on the corner of Welcome Road and what came to be known as Thigpen Road. Gary would live his entire life on those quiet acres. Gary attended Western School which was just down the road from their homeplace. It was during those years that he was smitten by the lovebug by a curly haired young lady who would become his wife. Barbara Rooks was a child of the Arnco Community that had been populated by families who had given up life on the farm for the convenience of a regular paycheck from the textile mills that had sprung up in the early 20th century. She and Gary married while still in their teens, unlike either of their parents. For the next 50 + years they were almost inseparable. Gary found a good job with the City of Newnan in the Sanitation Department. He became a fixture in his huge truck as he rode all over town with a window rolled down so that he could wave at anybody he saw as he went by their home or business. Gary had a penchant for big trucks that he maneuvered as if they were toys. His real motor love was his tractor. A couple of hours on that tractor was therapy as the powerful hum and smell of the diesel engine would melt away the stress of a busy workday. Gary had a garden every year. Sometimes it was vegetables and sometimes it would be a sea of sunflowers. His last garden was the end all crop of corn. Gary lived large and so did his crops. Gary had his priorities in his life. Work had its place, but his faith in his Creator was the defining point of his life. He absolutely believed that if he was faithful to God, God would always supply the strength and grace for whatever life put before him. In appreciation for that infinite grace and strength he would serve as a deacon in his beloved Providence Baptist Church. He would draw more and more on that belief as the last years of his life would be defined by continuing health problems. As God provided his spiritual life's strength, his 55 plus years of marriage to Barbara would provide the physical strength and support required to live his best possible life. It would be a rare event to see one of them without the other one. They found their greatest comfort in being each other's best friend and confidant. That would be true until the very last moment of Gary's life on the evening of October 23rd. His life's story would come full circle in the comfort of the Thigpen ancestral family home and in the care of his beloved wife, Barbara. Nothing would be more fitting for both of them. Gary is survived by his wife Barbara Rooks King. He was a very proud father to Jennifer King Brown and Chad King and his wife Lena. He was a proud "Pop" to his grandchildren Madison Hinesley (Kent Wester), Michael Campbell, Logan Campbell, Addison King, and Brandon King. The life of Gary King will be recalled and stories will be shared during a time of visitation to be held on Tuesday, October 28th between 3:00 and 5:00 PM at McKoon funeral Home at 38 Jackson Street. A memorial service will follow at 5:00 PM with Dr. Ken Norton and Reverend Chris Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, honor the life of this good man by a memorial gift to his beloved Providence Baptist Church. Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by the blessed rain one final time. You always believed that the good Lord would provide, and He always had somehow. Take off your gloves and put them down. No more sweat and worry for you now. Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more will you have to wait. Your legacy lives on. Your love for the land has been proven. Your love for the woman who walked beside you all these years is a treasured memory. You take your rest, now. We'll put the tractor in the barn and be sure to lock the gate. All is well. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory 38 Jackson Street 770-253-4580.

Gary Presley King

February 15, 1949 - October 23, 2025