Ernest M King Sr

Ernest King went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 24, 2023. He was 88 years old. Ernest was born near Cotton Valley, Louisiana on August 6th, 1935 at his grandparents’ home. In 1939 the young family relocated to Greenwood, MS and a short time later to Jackson, where he grew up. He attended elementary school in Jackson and then attended Clinton schools until the 10th grade. While at Clinton he played football, ran track and played the snare drum in the Arrow marching band. He attended Central High School in downtown Jackson, his junior and senior years, graduating in 1954.

In 1953, Ernest joined the MS Air National Guard and served until his retirement in 1973. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. During part of his career he was a Flight Engineer on C-119 cargo planes and flew all over the United States. Several years after his retirement, he missed serving and reenlisted. He served an additional 5 years.

While at Central High School he met Madge Guy and they were married in May of 1955. The following year their first child was born and they eventually had 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl. During the early years of their marriage the family attended Emmanuel Baptist Church where they were actively involved. A relationship with God was very important in Ernest’s life and remained so his entire life.

The family moved to Clinton in 1966. Shortly thereafter they became involved in the horse business. Ernest leased some land near their home and started a boarding stable known as Rocking K Stables. A lighted arena was built and the stable hosted horse shows for many years. He was a member of the MS Appaloosa Horse Club and other local horse associations. His agricultural pursuits expanded into cattle and the hay baling business in addition to the horses. He also opened several retail western wear and tack stores. The most successful one was Circle Bar K Western Store, located on Hwy 80 in West Jackson. During this time the family attended Midway Baptist Church on Clinton Boulevard near their home.

In the early 80’s Ernest and Madge divorced and Ernest went to work for Circle Y Saddle Company, which is located in Yoakum, TX. For more than 30 years he traveled TN, KY, and MO calling on his accounts and as was Ernest’s way, making friends wherever he went. He was the company’s number one salesman for numerous years and truly loved every minute of it. Upon his retirement he returned to the Jackson area to live out his days on a family horse property off Hwy 18.

Ernest, known to many as “Big Ern”, never met a stranger. It was a trait that served him well in his sales career. If you met him, you weren’t likely to forget him, His big personality and generous nature were legendary. Ernest was a huge sports fan having played many sports in his youth. He especially loved college basketball. In his final years he could be found in his recliner watching a game or sitting on the front porch reading his Bible for hours on end.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, T.R. and Edna King and his youngest son, Jeff King. He is survived by his brother John King and his sister Edith Booth (Jim), his three children; Ernie King, David King (Karen) and Judy Thornton (Steve); his six grand children, Olivia and Hannah King, Tyler, Zach (Rachel) and Brad Thornton, and Katie Thornton Byrd (Caleb) and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his good friend and confidant Jack Gibbs.

Please consider making a donation to Gateway Rescue Mission, which was one of Ernest’s favorite causes.

A visitation for Ernest will be held Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, Mississippi 39209. Following the visitation will be a pavilion service at 2:00 PM at Lakewood Memorial Park, 6000 Clinton Blvd., Jackson, Mississippi 39209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lakewoodfuneraljackson.com for the King family.