John David King, Sr., 86, of Smith County, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS. He was born August 1, 1934, to Emmettee and Annie Musgrove King.
He was a graduate of Stringer High School. After high school he married his high school sweetheart, Mildred Bufkin King and entered the United States Army, where he was stationed in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
After his service with the Army, he began his career at Southern Pine Electric Association, where he worked for 39 years. John David served as a deacon at Edon Baptist Church. He was an active Gideon. After retirement, he enjoyed his time as a tree farmer, wood worker, fisherman, and handyman. But his family remembers him most as a loving husband, father, papaw, friend, mentor, and role model.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmettee and Annie King; brothers and sisters, Ance Hershell King, Florence Chapman, Audrey Walley, Jean Ford, and Betty Sue Stringer.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mildred Bufkin King; sons, Johnny (Nita) King of Smith County, and Mark (Joy) King of Hinds County; grandchildren, Brandon (Jolene) King, Anna (Kellen) Burns, Seth (Jenny) King, and SaraLyn King; great-grandchildren, Emma and Kathryn King, Kingston and John Major Burns, Annelise King, and Blake, Emma, Kate, and Grace Smith; sister-in-law, Betty Jewel Grantham; and brother, Elliot G. King.
Private Family Graveside Services will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Edon Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Nate Blackledge will officiate. Due to COVID precautions, social distancing and masks are encouraged. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Johnny King, Mark King, Brandon King, Anna Burns, Seth King, and SaraLyn King.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Kellen Burns and Lance John Jenkins.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gideon International or the Edon Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
