Dr. George C. King, age 86, of Clayton, GA, peacefully passed away at home on the morning of March 10, 2025.
George Collier King was born May 31, 1939, to Adelaide and Clarence King in Augusta, GA, where he spent his formative years. He was number 3 of 7 siblings. He graduated high school in 1956, and the next fall, he became a proud Georgia Bulldog. During this time, George met and married the love of his life, Annette Campbell, to whom he was married for 66 years. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1960 and graduated University of Georgia School of Medicine in 1964. While attending, he was a member of several academic honor societies: The Pershing Rifles, Phi Beta Kappa Society, and Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity, to name a few academic accomplishments. His medical residency was spent in Lafayette, Louisiana, which he loved to tell wild stories about. Dr. King was also a Major in the US Army 9th Engineers, where he was a physician stationed in Ashafenburg, Germany from 1967-1970. While there, he spent time exploring all of Europe and growing his family before deciding to settle and open his practice. In 1970, his practice doors opened in what he believed to be the most beautiful place on earth, nestled in the Northeast Georgia Mountains, Rabun County. He always joked around and said MD stood for “Mountain Doctor,” not Medical Doctor.
He was passionate about the community he lived in and served. It was his life’s purpose to heal, educate, and to help the people in his beloved community with his wife and children by his side. He also spent several years teaching and precepting medical residents at Mercer University. He was a part of several local charities, Rotary Club, and even joined the writer’s group in town. George was a kind and unique soul unlike any other, loved by everyone whose life he touched. If he wasn’t at the office or hospital he could be found making house calls, even occasionally after he retired from his practice. In his rare found free time he loved reading anything and everything, avidly writing, challenging friends and family members to a competitive game of Chess and trying to solve the mysteries of the universe.
He is Survived by his wife of 66 years, Annette King, and their two children, Mark King (Mary Ruth) and Crystal King Wood (Dan); one brother and two brothers-in-law, Dr. Cullus Campbell (Jeanie) and Jerry Campbell; six grandchildren, Ashley King, Christopher King, Haley Evans (Dylan), Natalie McCracken (Ethon), Heather Woods, and Justin Wood; five great grands (plus one on the way), Perrin Elzey, Gunner and Truett McCracken, Knox Wood, and Lyric Klink; in addition to numerous close nieces, nephews, and friends.
At this time, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Our family would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Timothy Scott Beck for the years of unwavering friendship and support he has given to our Papa and Granny. Also, to Amy Westbrook for the unconditional care and compassion she has shown our family during this difficult time. We would also like to express our appreciation to Sam Beck and Beck’s Funeral Home for all of their gracious support.
Beck Funeral Home in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Dr. George C. King. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
