Reverend Charles Ray King

On December 23, 2023, we gather here today to celebrate the remarkable life of Charles Ray King. Born on January 20, 1956, in Bastrop County, Texas, Charles was a precious gift bestowed upon us by our Lord in Heaven and entered into Heavens Gates on Sunday, December 10, 2023.. He was born to the loving union of Charlie Mae Baker-King and John Wesley King, a heritage that would shape his character and values throughout his lifetime.

From a young age, Charles demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and a devotion to his community. He pursued his education within the Elgin Independent School District and successfully graduated. At an early stage in his life, Charles embraced his faith with unwavering conviction and was baptized at Union Hill Baptist Church in Utley, Texas.

A man of great compassion and dedication, Charles dedicated over two decades of service as a Trainer for the Evaluation Rehab Center at Travis State School. His commitment and passion for the well-being of others led him to receive certification in 2001, leading him to be employed with AISD for more than twenty-two years. In May 2022, after retiring from Highland Elementary, Charles's compassionate nature beckoned him to return part-time in August 2022. It was during this time that everyone he encountered at Highland Park Elementary became an integral part of his extended family.

 Throughout his life journey, Charles remained a steadfast member of Union Hill Baptist Church under the esteemed guidance of the late Pastor JD Cleveland. Upon reaching the tender age of twenty-two, he answered the divine call to preach the Gospel and faithfully served alongside Pastor Cleveland in various pastoral duties. Reverend King relished sharing the word of God and offering encouragement to all he encountered. His love for spreading the gospel-inspired him to establish "The Heavenly Sunlights" in 1987 — a community singing group that traversed Texas far and wide for over two decades. In 1997, Reverend King ascended even further in his divine calling by accepting ordination and assuming the role of the Pastor at The Good Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church. Serving as the pastor was a privilege he cherished deeply.

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Pastor Charles Ray King as he embarks on his eternal journey to join our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. On Sunday, December 10, 2023, he peacefully transcended from this earthly realm to everlasting peace. He is preceded in death by his beloved father, John W. King, adored bonus father, James E. Bunton, and cherished nephew, Bobby Kenya Jr.

The treasured legacy of Pastor Charles Ray King illuminates the lives of those dearest to him. His devoted mother, Charlie M. Bunton, forever embraces his memory along with his siblings Clint Reese (Loise), Yvonne Kenya (Bobby), Donald King, Vertice Hill (William), and Terrance King (Minnie). He leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews, Erica King, Shanna King, Terry Hancock, Regina Dozier (Albert), Shawndra Chandler (Dwayne), John W. King, Mariah King, Shamoya Hill, Amir King, TJ King; great-nieces and great-nephews, Jontre King, Isaiah King, Eudora Dozier, Zaire Chandler, DaVinci Dozier. Additionally, countless individuals remain eternally grateful for the influence he had on their lives—his bonus family, including Ray Sorrells and Tavion Hall; The Good Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church Family; Stella Anderson; Eva Brazle; Katie Pena; and the esteemed community of Highland Park.

As we bid our final goodbyes to Pastor Charles Ray King today, let us carry forward his indomitable spirit of love, compassion, and unwavering faith. May his memory continue to inspire and guide us as we navigate the journey of life, with the enduring light of his love forever shining upon us.