King, Cole Reginal

Cole Reginal King was born on April 15,1933 and died September 13, 2019. Dr. King was born in Muskogee, OK to Richard G. King and Jewell Kelley King and then moved to Stillwater, OK. At Stillwater HS he lettered in basketball, baseball, and track; he was named All-State in football. Serving as student body president, Reg also excelled in Scouts, choir and band. He graduated with a degree in history from Oklahoma State University, where he was very active in the Baptist Student Union along with many campus activities. He met his wife of 65 years in freshman English and married Marian M. Smith King on Dec. 12, 1953. Feeling called to the ministry, he first served as pastor at a mission for the First Baptist Church of Stillwater. Following graduation from OSU, they moved to Fort Worth to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where Dr. King graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1957.  From there his 40 years of Texas pastorates included Penelope, Emmanuel Corsicana, Timber Crest in Waco and Tarrytown Baptist in Austin. While pastoring, Dr. King earned a Master of History from Baylor; he furthered his studies at UT and ultimately returned to Southwestern to complete his PhD in Christian Ministry. All three of King’s children were born in Waco and grew up in Austin, where he was actively involved in their music, academic and athletic pursuits. A snow skier, camper, hunter and lake enthusiast, Reg was a role model and mentor to them and so many more. In ‘77, the family moved to Dallas, where King worked for the Texas Baptists as a coordinator of student work and with college BSU in the area. After serving in this capacity for 17 years, he retired and began teaching continuing education computer classes at Richland College.  He never fully “retired” but kept active by working with the Scott Roofing Company, playing handball and racquetball, sailing on Lake Ray Hubbard, and becoming a skilled woodcarver. He was also a track & field official for over 40 years, including being a starter at the Big XII and other collegiate meets. Avid adventurers, the Kings traveled extensively: Indonesia and Nigeria for summer mission work; Bali, Singapore, France, Germany, England, and China; and went on safari in South Africa for their 60^th anniversary. Some high moments for Reg were riding in a submarine, skydiving, flying a sailplane and anything involving animals and the outdoors. Throughout his life Reg was a much loved and respected father, granddad, coach and encourager for hundreds of young people, but most importantly, he pointed others to salvation in Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Marian; sons Cliff Reginal of Dallas, Lance and wife Becky of Edmond, OK; daughter Janell King Luce and husband Joe of Houston; and one sister, Janie Hackler. He is preceded in death by his parents, oldest sister Reba, and his oldest grandson Garrett Cole Luce. He leaves behind beloved grandchildren: Chancellor King, Alexandria King, Victoria King, Jackie and Zach Pope, Jenny and Art Denis, Jamie and Landon Doyle, and 5 precious great grandchildren: Noah and Indy Doyle, Becca and Cristian Denis and Miles Pope. Special thanks to the caregivers at DiversiCare of Lake Highlands. Memorial services will be held in Ellis Chapel of Park Cities Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27^th: 3933 Northwest Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75225 A reception will be held following the service in the Parlor. Memorials may be made to their church or the Alzheimer’s Association of Dallas and NE Texas PO Box 96011 Washington DC 20090-6011 Inurnment of the ashes will take place at Sparkman/Hillcrest in the Prayer Garden.

_____________________________________ A Signature Service under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 10116 E. Northwest Highway Dallas, Texas 75238 214-340-8008