Colonel Donald Hudson King, US Army, Retired, 84, of Dahlonega, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022. He was born on February 11, 1938, in Philippi, West Virginia and during childhood his family moved to College Park, Georgia.

Don graduated from Georgia Military Academy and went on to play basketball and graduate from Georgia State University. After graduation he was commissioned into the US Army as an Infantry officer. He completed Airborne school and received his Ranger tab. After tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam, he transferred to the Military Police. Don also received his Master of Education from the University of Georgia. During his military service, he attended the Command General Staff College and the National War College. He ended his military career as the Director of Advanced Military Police Training at Fort McClellan, AL. Among his decorations he received a Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal.

After retiring from the military, Don had several additional careers. He was Sr. Vice President of SouthTrust Bank, taught criminal justice at Jacksonville State University and ended his career as a teaching golf professional.

Don enjoyed playing golf, chess and reading. Being able to play music by ear, he loved playing the
keyboards, organ and trumpet. Don was devoted to his family. He and Millicent were married for over 60 years. He was a loving and protective husband, father and grandfather as well as strong in his Christian faith. Don always had a dog by his side.

A graveside service in honor and celebration of the life of Don King will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Georgia National Cemetery. Rev. Jordan Thrasher will officiate.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Millicent King; son, Christopher King of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Katherine McNamara of Canton; son-in-law, Paul McNamara; sister-in-law, Maxene Panos; grandchildren, Denis McNamara, Oleg McNamara, Lera McNamara, Conor McNamara, Reilly King and Jacob King; and great-grandchildren, Annabelle McNamara and Sophia McNamara.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Don King's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-memorial-giving or the Lumpkin County Humane Society at https://www.tlchs.org/

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the King family.