A Georgia Bulldog to the very end
William D. King was a Georgia Bulldogs fan his entire life. (Photo by Bill King)
We laid my Dad, William D. King, to rest in Athens’ Evergreen Memorial Park Wednesday, and it being national signing day much of my Bulldog-centric family naturally had one eye on ESPN while we got ready for the funeral at First Baptist Church.
Dad wouldn’t have minded in the least. I’ve written in the past about his devotion to the University of Georgia, and several favorite family stories of Pop involve the Dawgs. Such as how he came to stand on the sideline as a “high school prospect” when the 1942 national championship team met Alabama in Atlanta. And how he nervously ate his way through almost an entire bag of oranges as Georgia beat Auburn for the SEC title in 1959 — a tale that seemed to resonate with quite a few readers who’ve mentioned it to me over the years.
It was a burial befitting a lifelong Bulldog, and not just because of the beautiful plant bedecked with a red and black ribbon, sent by the UGA gymnastics program, on whose booster club board my brother Jon sits. We also left the Georgia “G” pin in its longtime spot in the lapel of the gray suit Pop was buried in, and at my brother Tim’s suggestion a red Georgia cap was placed by Pop’s side — in recognition of his trademark at the assisted living home that was his residence for the last three years of his life after my Mom died. Dad wore UGA’s colors proudly just about every day.
As I’m sure many of you know, it’s not easy losing a parent, even one who’s lived a full and useful life for 89 years. But Dad’s last week, spent at the wonderful St. Mary’s Hospice House in Athens surrounded by three generations of his loving family, was an incredibly uplifting experience. He knew we were there and that we loved him and were proud of him. And he told us how much he loved us. The room was full of family photos, and pinned up on the memory board by my niece Jennifer was one of Pop’s favorite red Georgia caps. We played his favorite music nonstop and at times he even tried to sing along as my daughter Olivia or my other nieces, Missy and Caroline, held his hand. He was comfortable and at peace.
As my son Bill, another of Dad’s namesakes, told the assembled mourners at First Baptist in eulogizing his beloved grandfather on Wednesday, “It was the ending he deserved. Amazing grace. How sweet the sound.”
What more can you ask for in leaving this life?
Now, for me, it’s back to writing about the Georgia Bulldogs that Pop loved so much.
Wednesday’s recruiting class perhaps didn’t rock the recruitniks’ world quite as hard as last year’s Dream Team, but it appeared to do a pretty good job of fitting the needs of the program — at least, before three misbehaving freshman got the boot Thursday.
Yeah, another offensive lineman or wide receiver would have been great, and depth might be a future issue in the secondary, but sometimes timing and momentum are what signing day buzz is all about. Had Keith Marshall, Todd Gurley and John Theus waited until the last minute to join Josh Harvey-Clemons in committing to UGA, we’d be talking about what a tremendous closer Mark Richt is, and the class Marshall has hopefully dubbed the “Ring Team” might well have been hailed along the lines of last year’s signees. As it is, ESPN still ranked it the nation’s fifth-best recruiting class.
As for this week’s dismissals from the team, I have to admit I’m more than a little disappointed that we won’t get to see whether Nick Marshall would have grown into the potential two-way star we thought he could be. But I’m proud that Richt has shown once again that, unlike some SEC coaches past and present, he acts decisively when players go too far in a way that could hurt the team. The punishment was swift and sure. The offending players are gone. Period.
I think my father, with his unwavering belief in always doing the right thing, no matter how inconvenient it is or how much it hurts, would approve.
Got something on your mind concerning UGA athletics or a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
— Bill King, Junkyard Blawg
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
120 comments Add your comment
Scott
February 4th, 2012
4:59 pm
Thanks for sharing Bill. I’ll remember your family in my prayers tonight. As always… Go Dawgs!
Jacket in badger state
February 4th, 2012
5:01 pm
Bill, as a Tech grad, I rarely agree with your views on sports in Georgia, but all that can be put aside for a bit to express to you and your family my sincere condolences on the death of your father. May he rest in peace.
SatillaDawg
February 4th, 2012
5:04 pm
God Bless your Dad, Bill…and God Bless your family.
A life well lived, and a Dawg to the end.
Macclenny_dawg
February 4th, 2012
5:11 pm
God bless u and your family Bill!!! Keep talking Dawgs and your father will looking down on u smiling!!! Go Dawgs!!!
PDawg
February 4th, 2012
5:13 pm
Great article Bill
Glad your family had the opportunity to give your father a deserving send off as you gathered around and enjoyed his company
keep up the family tradition in loving and writing about our beloved DAWGS!
Alabamadawg
February 4th, 2012
6:10 pm
I am so sorry for your loss Bill. My dad will turn 86 years young this year. I dread going through what you and your family have gone through. My dad is and has been my best friend. You and your family are in my prayers.
flatsdawg1
February 4th, 2012
6:28 pm
Bill, sorry for your loss of your dad. You two shared a love for the Dawgs that endured. I myself have nothing in common with my dad and our relationship suffers because of that, reading this article has opened my eyes to alot of things.
Dawgs1965
February 4th, 2012
6:42 pm
Sorry for your loss, Bill. It sounds like you have a wonderful family who sent your dad out in the best possible way.
Clelldawgdmd
February 4th, 2012
7:11 pm
Buried my Daddy in 1997. Think about him every day. My son, 12, often asks about Daddy. Did we (Daddy and I) do the same things that we are doing (son and I)? You bet!!! My Dad is why I am a Bulldog. Class of ‘91, B.S. I am proud to wear the G. I miss my Daddy–Phd ‘63.
I enjoyed your article.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
February 4th, 2012
7:21 pm
Sorry for your loss Mr Bill. Just remember his smile and the all things good. Parents go before the chillin to show the way with class.
Old65dawg
February 4th, 2012
7:35 pm
The King family is all class. You have my deepest sympathies. My Dad was a Dog fan from hs UGA fan days in the 1930s
DS_GT91
February 4th, 2012
7:36 pm
Mr. King, my condolences to your family on your loss.
Joey
February 4th, 2012
7:40 pm
Sorry for your loss Bill. Great story. My dad was the reason for my love of the Dawgs. Lost him in 09. It never gets easier. Praying for you and your family. Phillipians 4:13.
Integrity
February 4th, 2012
7:52 pm
Bill, my condolences to you and your family. I know how it hurts to lose a dad as well. By the way you describe your father, it sounds like he will continue to look down on Sanford Stadium from the best sky box seat available, high above in heaven! God bless you!
bitter dawgs fan
February 4th, 2012
8:12 pm
your dad sounds like a darn good dawg—————–best of luck king family
Firedawg
February 4th, 2012
8:13 pm
Bill, sorry for your loss, I bet your dad is still standing up and saying GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!! with a big smile on his face!!
HOUDAWG
February 4th, 2012
8:14 pm
Condolences & prayers lifted for you and your family ………
casdawg
February 4th, 2012
8:18 pm
Dear Bill…read your article with tears streaming down my face. Thinking about my own beloved father and his great love of the dawgs. I pray for you all and feel a great sense of connection with so, so many great people who have posted this day. I LOVE YOUR BLOG and read it faithfully. No doubt, your daddy was hugely proud of you. Thanks for sharing so vulnerably. You are a good man and it is clear that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. God bless your family. May God bless your great Dad.
Big Jacket
February 4th, 2012
8:21 pm
Sounds like the King family was blessed to have him.
Lilburn Dawg
February 4th, 2012
8:34 pm
Bill, sorry for your loss as I know the pain. But just think of the enjoyment and fun that your dad, Erk Russell, Larry Munson, Lewis Grizzard, a number of former UGA players, and a number of our former UGA mascots will have next season all sitting together while tailgating in heaven and watching the games!! It’ll be a blast!!
RedandBlack
February 4th, 2012
8:43 pm
All the best to you and yours. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. Go Dogs!!
Steve
February 4th, 2012
8:44 pm
Bill,
I’m terribly sorry for your loss. And I wish i had had a chance to tender to your Dad thanks for fathering you, a man that has given this Bulldog so many hours of pleasure and knowledge reading your pieces.
FDawg
February 4th, 2012
9:12 pm
Bill, may God bless you and your family in this most difficult time. Go Dawgs!
I-DOG
February 4th, 2012
9:26 pm
Bill,
Deepest Sympthy for your loss. Losing a parent is never easy, but it sounds like he had a terrific life and plenty to be pround of.
Bigdsel
February 4th, 2012
9:29 pm
Sorry for your loss Bill.
Dr. Morpheus
February 4th, 2012
9:42 pm
I had the same uplifting experience when my Dad passed away on Christmas Eve 2006. Far from leaving Christmas with a bitter taste, my Mom, sisters and all of our spouses and children were able to share in the memories of his long and fruitful life. It’s the unfolding of a great story and the way we may all hope to punctuate the last paragraph in our final chapter. All the best to you and your family, Bill.
Sharkman
February 4th, 2012
9:46 pm
Sorry for your loss Bill. Go DAWGS!
Billdawg
February 4th, 2012
9:47 pm
Very sorry for your and UGA’s loss. However, when I go, would like for it to be under a similar environment; family, UGA tradition, and the memories of a great Bulldog life. I always liked the epitaph “Bulldog born and Bulldog bred, and when I die Ill be Bulldog dead.” God bless you and your family and give you peace.
Go Dawgs!!
Beast from the East
February 4th, 2012
10:03 pm
Sorry for your loss, Bill.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 4th, 2012
10:13 pm
So moved by the great tribute to your father. I am sure you know how proud he must have been of you for growing up to be a fine man. Once more he is reunited with his lovely wife and your mother. If any comfort can be found in your lose know that your parents are once again reunited. My heartfelt condolences do go out to you and your family. Go Dawgs!
Whopper Dawg
February 4th, 2012
11:56 pm
Bill, my sincere condolences. Treasure the time you had with your father. God gave you quite a gift.
Whopper
78Dawg
February 5th, 2012
12:06 am
RIP..Mr. King,,,,Hopefully those who put the G on their head will be like you…
boykin
February 5th, 2012
1:20 am
Thought are with you and your family, Bill.
65dawg
February 5th, 2012
6:53 am
Bill, This DAWG laid his dad to rest a little over 5 years ago, with a similar but different twist. We buried him wearing his favorite Georgia Tech tie, with his favorite GT hat, and with GT magnets on the hearse, as we took him by Grant Field on the way to the cemetary. I still think of calling him every day, but the pain of losing does get easier. God bless you and your family!
Alabama Jack
February 5th, 2012
6:55 am
I usually don’t even bother reading your column, but you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.
toptencane
February 5th, 2012
7:51 am
Bill it always hurts to lose your dad, but time will heal the hurt. Always enjoy your column and go dogs.
winderdawg
February 5th, 2012
7:55 am
Sorry for your loss Bill. I lost my father 6 years ago (former Dawg circa 1945). You never forget your Father you just learn to live with the memory of great times.
God Bless you and your family!
13-1
February 5th, 2012
8:03 am
Bill King, I am very sorry for the great loss of a great man to you sir. I am sure that you recall every moment forever, together, and there is much there forever for all of you, Bill.
Spike
February 5th, 2012
8:49 am
We are sorry for your loss, Bill. Keep the faith. Your memories will comfort you and your family.
Roger
February 5th, 2012
9:00 am
God bless you and your family….love your Blawg…I hope the coming months are easy..
SC Dog fan
February 5th, 2012
9:43 am
Well said, Mr. King. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
BromoDawg
February 5th, 2012
9:52 am
Bill,
What a wonderful tribute to your father…I enjoy reading your articles, and I bet your Dad was immensely proud. Take comfort in the good times. I lost my mother 17 years ago today and with time it eases the pain as a “new normal” comes to be. My sincere condolences to you and your family…You’re one great Dawg! My thoughts and prayers!
Old Blind Dawg
February 5th, 2012
10:11 am
Very sorry for your loss Bill.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Old Dawg
February 5th, 2012
10:59 am
Sorry to hear about your loss, Bill. Your dad is now and ever shall be a damn good Dawg!
AlaskaDawg
February 5th, 2012
11:14 am
Bill, you have showed great class in your writing of this article at such a devastating time in your life. I am sorry for your loss. Your columns have, through the years, shown how much you loved your dead. May God be with you in your time of need. Go Dawgs!!!
Radly Dawg
February 5th, 2012
1:24 pm
Hey Bill,
Man what a blessing to have had such a beautiful relationship(s)…that in turn, enabled you to write such an honest, open, and loving article…and at such a difficult time. God bless you…you and your/family, and your Dad are true Bulldogs! All sound like…”dyed in the wool” brothers…. Red and Black! God bless you all. Your Dad will live on in all of the wonderful memories you all created. Keep carrying that banner for the Red and Black…and Mr. King Sr. will always be alive and well in the hearts of those who were blessed to have been a part of his life! Goooo Dawgs!!
Radly Dawg
Metter
Vinings Dawg
February 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
DGD! Our thoughts are with you and your family Bill.
Manila dog
February 5th, 2012
7:22 pm
Bill,
Great tribute to a great man, not because he was a great dog fan but because he was a great dad. I pray that you, and all of us who call ourselves ardent fans, remember our priorities to our spouses and to our children first so that we can leave a legacy like your father has. May our Lord bless you and all who are grieving now the loss of Bill King Sr.
It is always good to hear things about Athens like his service at First Baptist. We last lived in Athens in 1980 and I have fond memories of our church, Prince Avenue Baptist, where my wife and I were both transformed by the love of Jesus and have tried to serve Him ever since. God bless you and your family!
GulfShoresDawg
February 6th, 2012
6:26 am
Condolences to the King family…Go Dawgs!
ga gator
February 6th, 2012
10:24 am
I am sure it feels good knowing that someday you will see him again Bill. I am sure you miss him though and sorry for your loss.