Gary Mitchell King, Sr.

Published 3:35 pm Thursday, May 13, 2021

Gary Mitchell King, Sr. 77, of Valdosta died Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at his home after his four year battle with ALS. He was born on May 20, 1943. His parents were Evelyn Allen and John Morrill (Buddy) Jeter of Climax, Ga., and Corbitt Mitchell and Leonce King of Perry, Fla. He grew up in Climax, farming and playing basketball for the Climax Tigers, being selected All-State his senior year before graduating from Climax High School in 1962. He also served in the National Guard for several years. Gary met his wife, Cathey of 39 years in 1978, and they were married on March 13, 1982 and their only child was born on the same date one year later. Gary was a great salesman his entire life. He was in the mobile home and real estate business for the majority of his life. He was the top sales rep at Peach State Homes in 1998, and he just received the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award for Highest Total HUD Home Sales Volume in the Southeast. He also worked as a residential contractor and built homes in Valdosta. He loved going to the farm and cabin to hang out with friends and family. He enjoyed cooking, especially grilling, duck hunting, and still loved getting on the tractor to do some work around the farm. Gary dearly loved his three granddaughters so very much. He also loved his dog, Roxie, his little Princess who preceded him in death. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Cathey Kite King; his son and daughter in law, Gary Mitchell King, Jr. and Rachel King, all of Valdosta; his three granddaughters, Evelyn (3), Corbin (1), Allee (6wks), all of Valdosta; sister and niece, Linda Jeter Johnson and Julie Johnson Cooper (Chad) of Tallahassee, Fla., sisters and brothers in law, Madelyn King Collins (Buster), Patsy King Tedder, Phyllis King Yates (Thomas), and Susan King Lee (James), all of Perry, Fla., & many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 14 from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, May 15, at Bemiss United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Ellis and Rev. Lynn Hurley officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2pm, Sunday, May 16, at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Climax, Ga. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bemiss United Methodist Church, 4879 Bemiss Road, Valdosta, Ga. 31605 or The ALS Association Georgia Chapter, 5881 Glenridge Dr., Ste 200, Atlanta, Ga. 30328 – (404). 636-9909. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home.