Gaylon "Gator" Franklin King Jr., 69, left his earthly body on May 1, 2021 after his battle with cancer. Gator spent his last 5 days at Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC with his loved ones by his side. He was known for his infectious smile, his faith and positivity, and how he could instantly light up the room. Gator knew no stranger and could find a connection with anyone around him. He was a strong relationship and community builder.

Gator was born on February 13th, 1952 in Laurinburg, NC. Growing up, he loved hunting, fishing, horses, fast cars, and spending time at his father's restaurant, "Gail's Place", in McColl, SC. He graduated from McColl High School in 1970 and worked in the cotton mills until the age of 21. On his 21st birthday, King took his test for the Criminal Justice Academy and entered on June 10, 1973. After he completed the academy to join the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Gator was stationed in Loris, SC, and later transferred to spend the rest of his career in Allendale County. As a state trooper in a small town, he was a father-figure to many youth in the community and stayed involved in church and sporting events.

Gator retired from the Highway Patrol in 2003 and moved to the hills of Virginia. Even after retirement, Gator continued to stay involved in his community. In 2012, he decided to go back through the police academy in Virginia. At the age of 61, King was once again a fresh graduate and worked as a school resource officer at elementary schools in Carroll County, Virginia. In July 2020, Gator retired from being a SRO at St. Paul Elementary School in Cana, VA.

Gator always clung to his faith during his trials and tribulations. He began his battle with cancer in 2007 when he was first diagnosed with Merkel Cell Skin Cancer. After multiple cancer appearances, a benign brain tumor, and the final diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2017, he maintained the strong faith and positivity that we knew him for. He was a fighter until the very end.

Gator was known by many names: Gail Jr., Gator, Mr. King, Dad, and Papa Gator. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and their three children: Mason D. King, his wife Kileigh, Meda "Beth" E. Farmer and her husband Jared, and Miranda "Randi" G. Schuette, her husband Zack and their son Oliver; and Gator's two children Gaylon "Bumper" F. King III and his wife Elizabeth, and Gayla Danielle King Chappell, her husband PJ, their children Phillip L. Chappell III "Leebo" and his son Jaydan L. Chappell, Lexie F. Chappell, and Lacie H. Chappell, from his previous marriage, his younger brother, Richard, and his favorite Aunt Hazel.

He is predeceased by his younger brother, Stephen L. King, his father Gaylon F. King Sr., and his mother, Nelle K. King.

Gator's Celebration of Life Service will be Sunday, May 9th, 2021 at 3PM at Hope Community Church in Cana, VA. Pastor Anthony Thomas will be leading the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to:

Hope Community Church (PO Box 363 Cana, VA 24317), St. Paul Elementary School (231 Flower Gap Rd. Cana, VA 24317), Carroll Wellness Center (164 Carter Pines Ln. Hillsville, VA 24343), or Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home (945 Zephyr Rd. Dobson, NC 27017).

Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.