Bennie M. King ended his earthly journey on September 25, 2017, at the age of eighty-six (86) years.
A friend to all, Bennie was a man with a true servant’s heart and a calm, unpretentious demeanor.
A man of few words, Bennie was known for his simple albeit profound “one-liners.”
When he took the time to write a letter, it was chock full of wisdom and humor. Bennie especially enjoyed writing letters to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Born during the Great Depression at Amherst, Texas to Vida Cates and Joe Wesley King on August 26, 1931, Bennie was one of six (6) children. Eventually, the Kings settled on a small, thirty (30) acre farm in Denton Valley, Texas. Bennie’s servant’s heart and strong character stem from humble beginnings.
In 1951, Bennie was Valedictorian of his graduating class at Denton Valley High School. He loved telling people that he was Valedictorian and then nonchalantly added that he was the only graduating senior that year.
Following graduation, Bennie enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country faithfully from 1951 until his retirement in 1973.
During his military career, he served in the Korean War and was stationed at Taipei Taiwan, Oahu, Hawaii, and four different times at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.
A member of the Security Branch, Bennie earned many commendations. After military days, he owned and operated King’s Refrigeration, an HVAC Company in Sonora, Texas until 2015.
On November 6, 1954, Bennie married Vivian Luan Hill.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Vivian, and their three children, Linda Love Cahill (Jimmy Cahill) of Sonora, Denis King of Christoval and Charles Wayne King (Sonya) of Brownwood, Texas.
Bennie is also survived by grandchildren, Amy Love Sykes (Blayze Sykes) of Sonora, Charles W. King, Jr. (and his mother, Lesa Smith) of Austin, Texas, and Mimi-Carlisle and Vivienne King, of Brownwood, Texas; great-grandchildren, Paige Sykes of Sonora, Alexa Sykes of College Station, Blayze Sykes of Sonora, Texas and Jaxon Paige King of Austin, Texas; and older brother, Bobby King (Frances) of Tennessee and their children and grandchildren.
Bennie was very close to his brother in law and sister in law, Gerald and Marie Hill of Lubbock, Texas and their family.
Bennie is also survived by his son- in- law, Jimmy Cahill’s daughter, Kelly Cahill Owen (Terry) and son, Chacho Cahill (Dawn) and their children, Rebeckah, Reagan and Gage Owen and Lane and Carson Cahill.
Bennie was never too busy for his family and extended family; he felt it was especially important to stay close to the surviving children of his brother and sisters who went before him. Those nephews included: Charles Wesley Heald (Dorothy Heald) of Georgetown; David Heald of Itasca, Dr. Paul King (Jeannie King) of Fort Worth, Richard King (Debbie King) of Abilene and Rick Bell (Donette Bell) of Louisiana. Mr. King loved his extended Sonora families: The Preston Love family, and Fields-Smith families.
Bennie was predeceased by his mother and father, Vida Cates and Joe Wesley King, brothers Elvin King and Franklin D. King; sisters, Altha Faye Bowen and Elwanda Bruce, brothers-in-law, Charles Heald and James Norris Bowen, a sister -in- law, Louise King, and son-in-law, Preston O. Love, Sr.
Bennie was a member of First Baptist Church, Sonora, Texas for the past forty (40) years, where he worshipped and faithfully served in many capacities, including Deacon.
He also served on the Board of Paisano Baptist Encampment for many years and founded the Mae Ward Scholarship Fund at Baylor University. Working hard, helping others and sharing God’s love were Bennie’s greatest joy. He loved others with all his heart.
The King family express sincerest thanks to: Dr. Charles Pajestka of Sonora, Texas, Dr. David Cummings and Dr. Steven Coates of Shannon, San Angelo, Texas.
The family extends its love and gratitude to Bennie’s pastor, Brother Matt Killough of First Baptist Church of Sonora, whom Bennie loved like a son. Special thanks to Carlos Perez and Ada Vigil for helping take care of our loved one during his final days.
Last, but not least, the family expresses sincerest thanks to Lynn Burchell, RN, of Alvis F. Johnson Hospice. There are so many other dear friends and prayer warriors to thank, all too numerous to mention.
Memorials may be made to:
The Mae Ward Scholarship Fund at Baylor University c/o First Baptist Church, 111 E. Oak Street, Sonora, Texas 76950.
Paisano Baptist Encampment, c/o First Baptist Church, 111 E. Oak Street, Sonora, Texas 76950.
First Baptist Church, 111 E. Oak Street, Sonora, Texas 76950
Helping Hand Fund, P. O. Box 1154, Sonora, Texas 76950, in Honor of Bennie’s son in law and dear friend, Jimmy Cahill.
Any other charity of choice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Love Funeral Home in Sonora. A Memorial service is planned Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Sonora.
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
-Matthew 25:21-
