Donnie Gene King, 77, of Strong, Arkansas, passed into his Heavenly home on July 20, 2026. Born on November 17, 1948, to Marcus Stanley King and Dixie Sturdivant King, Donnie lived a life defined by hard work and an unwavering love for his family.
Donnie was a lifelong resident of Strong, Arkansas. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart for his courage and sacrifice.
Following his military service, Donnie dedicated his life to working in the oil fields until his retirement. A self-taught welder and electrician, he was the kind of man who could fix just about anything.
While he was proud of his work and his military service, nothing meant more to him than his family. He was married to the love of his life for 58 years, and known affectionately as "Papaw" or "Paw" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After retirement, he became the family babysitter. He helped love, guide, and raise his grandchildren, creating memories they will cherish forever. Whether he was sitting patiently in his recliner while they put makeup on him, fixed his hair, or simply wanted to be close to him, he treasured every minute.
Donnie also had a playful sense of humor. He loved teasing the people he loved most, always with a look that let everyone know he was just "picking." His grandchildren often joked that his favorite saying should one day be engraved on his tombstone: "Ain't that something."
Donnie loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting at the family deer camp, fishing, and camping at the river.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, along with many other beloved family members and loved ones.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 58 years, Linda Fairris King; his children, Tracie King Meshell (Chris), Joel King (Katie), Nick King, and Mollie King Dopson; his grandchildren, Justin Meshell (Brittany), Jeremy Meshell (Kelby), Ariel King, Clayton Bolding, Leyla Dopson, Tess Tanner, Dawson Dopson, and Charlie King; his great-grandchildren, Jace Meshell, Jesslynn Meshell, Koley King, and Hudson Meshell; his beloved sister, Mary Nell King Noble (Charles); and a host of extended family and dear friends.
Memorials can be made to Union Chapel Missionary Church or to the Union Chapel Missionary Cemetery Fund.
Graveside services will be held 10:00 am Thursday July 23, 2026, at Union Chapel Missionary Church Cemetery. An online registry can be signed at www. Perrysfuneralchapel.com.
