CSM (Ret.) Elijah King Jr.

Elijah was a 1971 graduate of Tuskegee Institute High School, where he was a band member and a studious student. Upon graduating, he attended Florida A&M University and majored in Instrumental Music. He fine-tuned his musical skills in the Tuskegee Institute High School “Golden Virtuosos Band” and later in the Florida A&M University Marching “100” Band. While attending college at Florida A&M University, he was initiated in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated before enlisting in the U. S. Army in August 1977.

Elijah holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts from Regents College State University of New York, a Master of Art in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ. He was pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leaders with emphasis in Christian Ministry from Grand Canyon University, and he was scheduled to graduate in June 2017.

As a child, he attended Butler Chapel AME Zion Church, where he was a devoted member of the church youth choir. In 2010, he and his wife Debbie started the Circle of Life Outreach Ministry with the mission of identifying and meeting the needs within the church community. They were active members of Lifeway Fellowship Church, and they were strong supporters of Word of Life Fellowship Church. He enjoyed serving and fellowshipping with both ministries.

Elijah served 30 years on active duty in the United States Army before retiring in 2007. Military assignments include two tours in Korea and two tours in Germany. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Storm and served two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He dedicated his life to serving the Veterans and the military communities throughout the world. His motto: “Old Soldiers never die and I refuse to fade away! Soldier for Life!”

Elijah had a serving heart when it came to giving back to the community. He was a member of numerous councils, civic, and local organizations. He served on the Chief of Staff Army (CSA) Retiree Council, Co-Chairman of the Fort Hood Retiree Council, Texas U. S. Congressman John Carter, Central Texas Chapter 88, Retired Enlisted Association, Veterans Helping Veterans-Star Group, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Retired Enlisted Association, Harker Height Rotary Club, Communities in School, Killeen Branch NAACP, and Men of Purpose Men’s Ministry.

Elijah was very family oriented. He enjoyed spending time with his wife Debbie, children, and family; especially eating lunch with his son Elijah, fishing with his grandson Brandon, and watching sports and movies with Elizabeth. He was also very proud of the accomplishments of his daughters, Celeste and Stephanie. He was very grateful for the opportunity to volunteer in various organizations.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elijah and Equilla King and his brother Marion Luther King. He leaves behind, his loving wife Debbie Nash-King, his children Celeste King-Smith, Stephanie King, Elijah King III, and Elizabeth Nash. He is also survived by a grandson Brandon Cole Smith, as well as his siblings, Zenea King Nelson (Dr. William), Retired SGM Ronald King (Grace), Vanessa King Lee (Joseph) and sister-in-law Virginia King (Marion) and numerous relatives and friends.

Elijah cherished his wife Debbie, children and his family. He was always there to encourage others and serve the community.

The King family will receive guests for a time of visitation on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM at Crawford-Bowers funeral home in Killeen. A wake service will begin at 7:00 PM in the chapel of Crawford-Bowers funeral home on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 10:000 AM Friday, March 24, 2017 at Lifeway Fellowship Church. Burial will follow in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. A reception will be held at the Legion Post 2023 on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

You may express condolences to the family by visiting www.crawfordbowers.org

Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Killeen, TX.