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Gary Oakley King

1949 - 2025

Gary Oakley King obituary, 1949-2025

BORN

1949

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

East Lawn Funeral Home

4997 Memorial Blvd

Kingsport, Tennessee

Gary King Obituary

Gary Oakley King

January 1, 1949 -

October 7, 2025

Gary Oakley King, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Lucille King; his brother, Greg King; and his sister, Ann Moore. Gary could best be described as someone who never met a stranger and, once he learned your name, never forgot it. Born on January 1, 1949, he was the oldest of five siblings. He often reminisced about his childhood growing up in Lynn Garden and the lifelong friendships he formed there. Gary graduated from Lynn View High School in 1967, where he met the love of his life, Cecilia. They were married for 57 years.

As a teenager, Gary began working at Latimer Looney Chevrolet sweeping floors and worked his way up to Service Manager. His second love was the car industry, and he excelled in it. His career allowed him and Cecilia to travel the world, and he eventually retired as Service Manager with Bill Gatton Chevrolet. Gary often said he was born in the wrong century. He and Cecilia loved traveling out West, with Monument Valley being his favorite destination. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his sheltie, Blue. These adventures created lasting memories for his daughter and family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cecilia; his daughter, Laura Erwin and her husband, Allen; his brother, Wayne (Vickie); his sister, Tammy; his sister in law, Becky (Jeff Scott); his brother in law, Tommy Blackburn; and his special aunt, Betty.

The family will receive friends at East Lawn Funeral Home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:55 PM, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM and a graveside committal at 2:00 PM in the Garden of the Well at East Lawn Memorial Park.

East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is honored to serve the family of Mr. Gary King.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Kingsport Times-News from Oct. 9 to Oct. 10, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

Vicky Stone Dykes

November 28, 2025

I just found out about Gary's passing. I couldn't help but cry. He was the sweetest and kindest man to me . I was Laura's best friend and we had so many good times together. They treated me like their own child. Cecelia worked with my father years ago and knew all about my family and trials. They were so good and kind! I was honored to have known Gary's mom and dad also ..as well as Tammy and Greg and Wayne. I met my future husband when I was with their family when Gary's Co worker had a terrible accident. Little did I know he would be my husband and father of our daughter!! Gary answered me one night when I said call me a taxi ....he did say...your a taxi. I was 13. I'll never forget any of the King family and I pray God gives them peace and comfort always knowing what a wonderful man they all had!! Rest in peace Gary!!!! Thank you for the memories with your precious family

JOE AND NINA BLACKBURN

October 10, 2025

Sending LOVE AND PRAYERS to you LAURA AND CECILIA SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS.SENDING OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILYS

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Memorial Events
for Gary King

Oct

11

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park

4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664

Oct

11

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park

4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664

Oct

11

Service

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

East Lawn Memorial Park

4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664

Funeral services provided by:

East Lawn Funeral Home

4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664

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