BOBBY GENE KING age 76 of Crossville, TN passed away June 19, 2019. He was born December 15, 1942 in Haleyville, AL the son of Eugene and Mary Lyle King. Bobby was a life-long educator whether as a high school science and chemistry teacher, working with special education students, or with the Boy Scouts of America. He served in leadership positions in the organization in both Alabama and Tennessee, and was a District Executive for the West Tennessee Area Council, where he built a stellar scouting program in the Shiloh District. He was later employed by Memphis Museums as the first site manager at Coon Creek Science Center in McNairy County, Tennessee. His experience as a Boy Scout leader and science teacher made him uniquely prepared to develop Coon Creek as an education center to showcase one of the most important fossil sites in North America. He was instrumental in the construction and development of the site as well as creating an educational program that catered to hundreds of students who came to the site to study paleontology and to dig fossils. His entire life was spent in service to children and youth where he volunteered as a Cub Scout Den Leader, Boy Scout Leader, Methodist Youth Fellowship Leader, and Little League Coach. In his spare time, he enjoyed amateur astronomy, collecting Native American artifacts, and writing and publishing books and short stories. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and his niece Ronda.

He is survived by his loving wife,Donna Wilson King of Crossville, TN, sister Freda King Crumpton (Ronald), and brother John Lyle King, both of Haleyville, nieces, Melani Smith (Greg) of Haleyville; Lauren Connolly (Adam) of Florence, AL; Caroline King of Portsmouth, NH; Lauren Lockhart (Stephen) of Taylors, SC; Emily Brock (Brannon) of Boiling Springs, SC; and Rose Wilson of Murfreesboro, TN and nephews are Timothy Crumpton of Haleyvilleand William King of Baton Rouge, LA. He also leaves behind seven great-nephews and six great-nieces. He will be missed by many, including a host of family and friends, and his loyal furry companion, Itsy.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday June 29, 2019 at 11am at First United Methodist Church in Haleyville, AL. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9am-11am prior to the service at the church. Family graveside services will be held prior to the Celebration of Life service. Officiants: Reverend David Lay and Reverend Will Wells.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Bobby’s memory consider a donation to Gideons, International. Their mission is to win men, women, boys, and girls to Jesus Christ by sharing God’s Word with them through the placement of Bibles worldwide. Memorials may be sent to: Savannah Gideon Camp P.O. Box 1062 Savannah, TN 38372.