84R9827 BK-D
By: Springer H.R. No. 883
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Keith Grice King of Gainesville on
February 6, 2015, at the age of 57, has brought a profound loss to
his loved ones and to the community that he served as a newspaper
publisher and dedicated civic leader; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Gainesville, Keith King was
born on October 23, 1957, the son of William and Margaret Jo King;
he developed an early interest in journalism while he was a student
at Gainesville High School, where he also played the trombone,
excelled as a drum major in the school band, and belonged to the
National Honor Society; after graduating in 1976, he attended North
Central Texas College and the University of North Texas; and
WHEREAS, In his younger days, Mr. King enjoyed a varied
career working with such employers as the Gainesville Daily
Register, New York Life, the Tyler and Simpson Company, and
Gainesville Memorial Hospital; he went on to own King's 1-Hour
Photo in Gainesville and Sherman for close to 15 years, and he
served in the public relations department of Children's Medical
Center of Dallas; and
WHEREAS, Mr. King was firm in his opinion that news should be
free and accessible to anyone, and he was moved to put that belief
into action by establishing a free publication in Cooke County;
with his son, Grice, he operated the Weekly News of Cooke County for
nearly 11 years, and he was deeply proud of its role in keeping area
citizens informed on matters of import to the community; and
WHEREAS, While reporting on current events, Keith King
endeavored to make a positive difference in the area through his
involvement with a number of boards and organizations; he served as
president of the North Central Texas College Ex-Students and
Friends Association and as a board member of the college's
foundation, and he was a member of the board of VISTO, or Volunteers
in Service to Others; a former member of the Gainesville Downtown
Merchants and the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, he had
additionally served as secretary of the local Optimist Club and as a
trustee for Whaley United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, In his leisure time, this dynamic Texan enjoyed
golfing, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, and playing trombone for
the King-Austin Trio with his bandmates Marcus and Jane Austin; he
was fond of debating politics, and he had an extensive repertory of
lines that he would quote from his favorite movies; passionate
about photography as well, he particularly delighted in being
behind the camera when he was in the company of his five
grandchildren, Dane, Paytyn, Cole, Addy, and Keeley, whom he doted
on at every opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Keith King gave selflessly of his time and talents
to benefit the community he called home, and although he will long
be missed, indelible memories of his warmth and kindness will
remain to comfort those who loved and admired him; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Keith Grice King and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his son,
Grice King, and his wife, Nikki; to his mother, Margaret Jo King,
and her husband, Richard Stark; to his brothers, Bill King and his
wife, Latresa, and Karl King and his wife, Floy Jackson; to his
grandchildren, Dane, Paytyn, Cole, Addy, and Keeley King; and to
his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Keith Grice
King.