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Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on March 7, 2024, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Lieutenant Colonel William (Billy) H King III , age 80, who had served in the MSARNG within the 623rd Service Company; 367th Maintenance Company; and the 114th Area Support Group, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord. Billy’s son, Will, is also a MSARNG retiree, who had worked full time at Shelby at the RSMS and YCP.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:
William H King III (Billy), longtime resident of Petal, MS, returned home to be with the Lord on March 7th, 2024.
Billy was born on July 3rd,1943, to the late William H King II and Jean B. King, first born of their 4 children. He was raised in Petal and graduated from Petal High School, Class of 1961. As a child, he was immersed in the Christian community and a very active member of Petal Presbyterian church, and he accepted Jesus as his Savior at an early age.
Billy’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Jenny Chambliss King, who he married on November 25th, 1965, and enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Together, they had two sons, William and James. Billy worked in construction, but later worked with Jenny as a realtor. Serving for 26 years in the Mississippi National Guard, Billy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Billy enjoyed coaching the King Brothers city league baseball team, teaching teamwork, camaraderie, pouring leadership and wisdom into his sons and other young men in the community. As a devoted member of the church, Billy walked closely with Jesus and had a servant’s heart, serving as a bible study leader and an elder. He was generous with his time, his talent, his finances, and his heart.
Billy is survived by his sons William (Penny) of Petal, MS and James (Pam) of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughter Kristen West (Josh), granddaughters Pashance King, Payton King, and Reagan King; great-grandchildren Levi West, Lauren West, Jai’ceon Gates, Jai’den Gates, and Ja’Kobe Gates. He is also survived by his sisters- Cheryl Jean King, and Ann Craven, and is preceded in death by his brother Richard L. King.
Because of his unwavering faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, we have the hope and promise that we will see him again. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life will be announced later.