Billy Joe "B.J." King

Herrin- Billy Joe B.J. King, 79, of Herrin, passed away at 1:50 AM, Sunday, December 12, 2010 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Billy Joe was born on May 19, 1931 in Herrin to Millage and Thelma Pearl (Smith) King. He married Glenda Rae Jones on September 8, 1961 at the Herrin First United Methodist Church. She survives in Herrin. He was a Korean War veteran. He took many classes on Banking and finance from SIU-C and he retired as vice president from Herrin Security Bank after twenty five years. He began his professional music career when he was seventeen years old. He played in a trio with Bobby Hardy and John Small and several other bands but ended his career playing with Ray Sullengers Big Band. He jammed with many area musicians including Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows after hours until sunrise at Junior Hatchetts. The highlight of his musical career was playing Preservation Hall on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. He was a member of Herrin First Baptist Church but attended First United Methodist Churches in Herrin and Duluth, GA. He was a member of many area organizations and was chairman of the Elks Hoop Shoot for over thirty years as well as past Exalted Ruler. He was past president of the Illinois Banking Association as well as several other banking organizations. He enjoyed helping underprivileged children and making children happy. He enjoyed his farm and loved to fish and hunt, especially deer camp. Survivors include- Wife- Glenda King of Herrin Son- Dalton King and wife Nicole of St. Louis Daughter- Julia Hall and husband Jim of Duluth, GA Grandchildren- Charlie and Evan Hall Grandchild- Harry King Sister- Millicent Emerson & husband Richard of Nashville, TN Nephew- Rick Emerson Nephew- Darin Clark Niece- Ann Harville He was preceded in death by his parents. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Ed Hoke will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 5-9:00 PM, Friday, December 17, 2010 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. The Elks service will be held Friday at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Childrens Hospital or the Elks Crippled Children Foundation and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948.