Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Carlton Cornelius King, Jr, 71

Carlton Cornelius King, Jr., age 71 of Clinton, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Carlton was the oldest child of Carlton Cornelius King and Carrie Mae Chambless King. He was born March 3, 1947 at the Julia Chester Hospital in Hope, Arkansas. Carlton was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Carrol Baker King. Children; Carrie Marie King and Cameron Cornelius King (Rubi). Grandchildren; Alexia Lillyann King and Aidan Cornelius King all of Conway. In addition; his brothers Ray King of Clinton, George King of Emmet, and sisters; Sue King Davis (John) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Polly King of Maumelle and Ginger King of Stamps, Nephews; Matthew Kielczewski and Carlton C. King.

Carlton was raised in Hope, Arkansas. Growing up in The First Baptist Church. Attending  Garland Elementary School during the 1950’s.  During his junior high, high school, and some college years, he worked for his father at his iconic “Bobcat” Drive In. Cooking burgers and car hopping. Most every baby boomer growing up in Hope will remember “Looping The Cat”. After graduating high school, Carlton attended Southern State College in Magnolia, Henderson State College in Arkadelphia and The University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, eventually living in Tennessee. He owned “Wonderland Day Care” in Franklin, Tennessee and the “Interstate Shell Center” in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. After having their children and selling the businesses in Tennessee. He and Carrol moved their family to Arkansas. Living in Little Rock, Conway and retiring in Clinton. While in Little Rock, he and Carrol opened an art gallery and interior design business on N. Taylor in the Heights. For a short period of time Carlton was employed by “The Southern Co.” Carlton loved the Gulf Coast. Every summer get-a-way was spent in Orange Beach, Alabama, Point Clear on Mobile Bay or Perdido Key. He loved sitting under an umbrella on the beach sipping a gin and tonic watching his children play in the surf and sand. New Orleans was another favorite destination. Most of his birthdays were spent in the French Quarter enjoying raw oysters, riding the trolleys and visiting the many art galleries. He loved and adored his daughter. He always had a smile on his face while speeding around Greer’s Ferry Lake with Carrie and her friends on a tube. Betting who would fall off first. More good times included, hunting and fishing with his son, up early on a deer stand was Carlton’s idea of a great time. Carlton dearly loved his family and we have many precious memories.

 Many thanks to Kindred Hospice for their compassionate care for Carlton and our family.

A memorial service will be planned in the spring. 

Arrangements are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. 

15 Comments

  • Linda Cobb Lee Posted January 4, 2019 2:14 PM

    So sorry to hear about the loss of another class mate. RIP Carlton.

  • Sara Gordon Darling Posted January 4, 2019 4:14 PM

    So sorry to hear we have lost another one. I remember Carlton as a really nice classmate and friend. Prayers go out to his family.
    Sara Gordon Darling

  • Myrle Cox Swope Posted January 4, 2019 6:10 PM

    Our deepest sympathy to Carroll and all of Carlton’s family. The Hope High Class of 1965 will keep you all in our prayers.

  • Delia James Posted January 4, 2019 6:17 PM

    My condolences to the family – especially my dear friend Polly. We go way back. Love you Polly! So sorry for your loss.

  • Janice Harper Girardier Posted January 4, 2019 9:59 PM

    So sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Fond memories of Carlton from Garland through HHS.

  • Katy Mason Posted January 5, 2019 2:56 AM

    My thoughts and prayers are with Carlton’s family.

  • Paul E. Guerin Posted January 5, 2019 6:38 AM

    If you asked of a classmate for a comment about Carlton, you would hear something like, “He’s a good guy.” We all liked Carlton; plus, he had a good sense of humor and liked to laugh.

  • Jan Gaines Wright Posted January 5, 2019 3:34 PM

    So sorry about another classmate leaving this earthy home. I know he will be greatly missed by his friends & treasured family.

  • Eddie Aslin Posted January 7, 2019 4:34 PM

    So sorry Carrol. Our thoughts are with you.

  • Judith Huneycutt Archer Posted January 8, 2019 1:49 AM

    Polly, Doug and I are SO sorry for the loss of Carlton. Just know that I ur thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this time. Many Blessings,

  • John and Nancy Hunt Posted January 9, 2019 6:47 PM

    Carrol, we are so sorry for the loss of Carlton. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and the rest of the family

  • Polly Lingo Posted January 13, 2019 7:01 PM

    Carrol, I just heard about Carlton and wanted you to know that you are in my prayers. So sorry for your loss.

  • Jim Chambless Posted July 28, 2019 5:59 PM

    He was the best first cousin I ever had!

  • Jim Chambless Posted July 28, 2019 7:49 PM

    Carlton ‘s mother Mae was like a mother to me and her and Carlton senior were responsible for me being to escape Hope and build a meaningful life, thank yo Carlton Jr for sharing your parents!

  • Jim Chambless Posted July 29, 2019 4:05 PM

    Carlton ‘s mother Mae, was like a mother to me and she and Carlton senior were responsible for me being able to escape Hope, AR and build a meaningful life, thank you Carlton Jr for sharing your parents!

Sign Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A Natural State Funeral Service & Crematory