Celebrating the life of
Donald W. King
March 11, 1929 - April 15, 2014
Donald William King
Donald William King, 85, of Savannah, Georgia, died April 15, 2014 after an extended illness.
He was born in McBee, South Carolina to Evelyn and William King. He played football at the University of Kentucky under Coach Bear Bryant. In 1950 he joined the Marine Corps at Parris Island, during which time he met his beloved wife Emilie Elizabeth Cetchovich. They were married for over 52 years and were blessed with one child, their daughter, Kimberly Kay King of Savannah.
After serving in the Marine Corps he was drafted by the NFL Cleveland Browns and played on the 1954 Championship team. He continued his football career with the Philadelphia Eagles and finished as a player on the inaugural AFC Denver Broncos in 1960.
Don returned to Savannah and coached the Savannah Indians semi-pro football team, who won the 1968 League Championship. He was named Coach of the year. Don served as a U.S. Deputy Federal Marshall from 1970 to 1991 and received Commendation for Sustained Superior Performance.
Don is remembered by his family and friends as a gentle, loving, kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. He especially loved his daughter Kim, who stayed with him during his years of prolonged illness.
In addition to his beloved daughter Kim, he is survived by his granddaughter Elizabeth "Liz" Scarwid; his brother-in-law Ralph Cetchovich and his wife Jackie; his niece Pam Muzio and family; his niece Debra Shane and family; his niece Susan Snaza and family; his nephew Paul Cetchovich and family; and dear friends Ricky Scarwid and Les Haddad, and Don's little dog Walter.
Christian Graveside service will be held at Bonaventure Cemetery, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 19, 2014.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Kim, I am sad to learn of Uncle Don's passing. He was a wonderful and loving man. I know you will miss him dearly. May Our Lord Jesus Christ ease your pain during this very difficult time. So sad that we both lost our fathers this month. Love and prayers. Carla
- Carla McJunkin, Chicago, IL
KIm, I am so sorry about your dad. I have such fond memories of going to your home on Sundays before intramural games and visiting with him, your mom, and uncle Walter! My thoughts and prayers are with you always!
- Fran George Arnsdorff, Savannah, GA
Kim, Larry and I were saddened to hear of Dons passing. Larry always spoke fondly of your Dad. Please know that you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Larry & Debbie Stubbs Glennville, Ga.
- Debbie Stubbs, Glennville, GA
Kim, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You were a wonderful daughter to both of your parents. No doubt, this will be a difficult time for you. Please remember you have many friends that care and love you deeply. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Kim Buffalo Shaw, Savannah, GA
Hey Kim, So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. You had some pretty cool parents and I'm sure you will miss them. Hugs and love to you, Dawn
- Dawn H. DeCamp, Savannah, GA
My Dear friend Kim, Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. May you hold those precious Memories in your heart and know that He is at peace. Glenda
- Glenda Eloge, , GA
Kim, at a time like this there are no words to make the pain go away. Just remember your dad was a great man and loved by all. He is now happy and at peace with your mom so you be happy for them through your grief. Love you much and my heart is heavy with yours. He has given you the best birthday present - his ever lasting memory!!!
- Sherri Burnsed Connolly, Savannah, GA
Kim, My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I'm not sure you remember me, but, i know you remember 'Miss Sarah' Deal my mother in law and her son Vernon. They both passed away in 2009. I have Happy memories of us visiting her when she lived next door to you. You and your mother would come over and bring something very good to eat. Vernon admired Mr. King and enjoyed talking with him about sports.
- Mickie Deal, Statesboro, GA
Kim, We are so sorry to hear about your dad. I will always remember him when I watch a football game. Our prayers are with you.
- Billy and Cindy Winters, Richmond Hill, GA
Kim, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Don was loved by all. He was a kind and gentle man and loved you dearly. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Kathy Wegmann, La Grange, NC
Dear Kim, I remember Uncle Don fondly, sitting in his recliner when you lived in Ogletorpe Place usually with Rocky in his lap : Thoughts are with you.
- Kathy Smith Glaize, Savannah, GA
Kim - I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a nice man and I have such nice memories of him. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
- Sallie Powell Boyles, Savannah, GA
Kim, I am sad to learn of Uncle Don's passing. He was a wonderful and loving man. I know you will miss him dearly. May Our Lord Jesus Christ ease your pain during this very difficult time. So sad that we both lost our fathers this month. Love and prayers. Carla
- Carla McJunkin, Chicago, IL
KIm, I am so sorry about your dad. I have such fond memories of going to your home on Sundays before intramural games and visiting with him, your mom, and uncle Walter! My thoughts and prayers are with you always!
- Fran George Arnsdorff, Savannah, GA
Kim, Larry and I were saddened to hear of Dons passing. Larry always spoke fondly of your Dad. Please know that you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Larry & Debbie Stubbs Glennville, Ga.
- Debbie Stubbs, Glennville, GA
Kim, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You were a wonderful daughter to both of your parents. No doubt, this will be a difficult time for you. Please remember you have many friends that care and love you deeply. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Kim Buffalo Shaw, Savannah, GA
Hey Kim, So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. You had some pretty cool parents and I'm sure you will miss them. Hugs and love to you, Dawn
- Dawn H. DeCamp, Savannah, GA
My Dear friend Kim, Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. May you hold those precious Memories in your heart and know that He is at peace. Glenda
- Glenda Eloge, , GA
Kim, at a time like this there are no words to make the pain go away. Just remember your dad was a great man and loved by all. He is now happy and at peace with your mom so you be happy for them through your grief. Love you much and my heart is heavy with yours. He has given you the best birthday present - his ever lasting memory!!!
- Sherri Burnsed Connolly, Savannah, GA
Kim, My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I'm not sure you remember me, but, i know you remember 'Miss Sarah' Deal my mother in law and her son Vernon. They both passed away in 2009. I have Happy memories of us visiting her when she lived next door to you. You and your mother would come over and bring something very good to eat. Vernon admired Mr. King and enjoyed talking with him about sports.
- Mickie Deal, Statesboro, GA
Kim, We are so sorry to hear about your dad. I will always remember him when I watch a football game. Our prayers are with you.
- Billy and Cindy Winters, Richmond Hill, GA
Kim, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Don was loved by all. He was a kind and gentle man and loved you dearly. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Kathy Wegmann, La Grange, NC
Dear Kim, I remember Uncle Don fondly, sitting in his recliner when you lived in Ogletorpe Place usually with Rocky in his lap : Thoughts are with you.
- Kathy Smith Glaize, Savannah, GA
Kim - I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a nice man and I have such nice memories of him. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
- Sallie Powell Boyles, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
