William Balfour King

Dr. William (Bill) Balfour King, 87, younger son of Dr. John Thomas King, Sr. and Mary Balfour King, passed away at Camellia Gardens in Thomasville, Georgia on May 22. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Anne Gatlin King, children William Michael King (and wife Anne Douglass King) and Marianne Rebecca King, and grandchildren Will King, Carolina and Stephen Moore, Clay Williams and Jayme Wright. He is also survived by his brother Dr. John Thomas King, Jr. and his wife Clarice Polak King and their children Mark Charles King and Captain and Mrs. Robert King. Born at Archbold Memorial Hospital on November 4, 1931, he attended local schools in Thomasville, graduating from Thomasville High School in 1949 where he served as senior class president. He graduated from Emory Jr. College in Valdosta before transferring to Emory University School of Dentistry and graduating in June 1956, with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He married his wife Anne July 29, 1956 at First Baptist Church in Ocala, Florida before serving for two years in the U.S. Army at Ft. McPherson in Atlanta. In the summer of 1958, Bill, Anne and infant son Mike moved to Thomasville where he joined his father and brother in a medical and dental practice, practicing dentistry into his 80th year. Their daughter Marianne Rebecca King was born January 31, 1964 at Archbold Hospital. Dr. King was a member of Thomasville First United Methodist Church serving on the official board, forming and serving as a teacher of the Catherine Daughtery Sunday School Class, a member of the chancel choir and serving with his wife as sponsors of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. The grand piano in the church sanctuary was a gift by Bill and Anne in memory of John and Mary King, also members of the Church. Dr. King was also active in the Rotary Club, serving as president and winning “Best Club” in the district. He also served as the first president of the Parents Auxiliary of the Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe, joining the Troupe with his wife as a chaperone on several trips. He also served on the Thomasville City School Board of Education during integration where he promoted a peaceful transition during turbulent times. Bill King loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing often with friends, including cousin Bob Balfour and “Cutter” Knapp on cherished fishing trips to the Florida panhandle. It was during these fishing trips that he garnered the nickname “Cookie” for his meticulously packed lunches for the crew. Additionally, Bill King loved to garden, particularly roses. He was involved with the Thomasville Rose Show for many years, winning Show awards for his entries. Dr. King and his wife frequently traveled to the California Wine Country where they became close friends with the owners of a boutique winery in Calistoga, helping with harvest, crush and bottling during the fall. Rumor has it, they also served as frequent tasters. Upon his retirement, Dr. King joined his wife in volunteering at Thomas County Food Bank. He will be remembered as caring, giving, kind, patient and a genuinely sweet husband, father, grandfather, cousin, friend, dentist and community leader. His faith and his family’s faith provide comfort knowing he is resting in eternal peace with our Lord and Savior. Burial services are being handled by Allen & Allen Funeral Home in Thomasville. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 5 – 6 p.m. at Allen & Allen. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled Friday, May 24th at 11 a.m. at the Thomasville First United Methodist Church followed by a brief reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the M.N.W. Boys & Girls Club, Thomasville First United Methodist Church or Thomas County Food Bank.