USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of John Clancy King, Jr., who passed away on April 4 at the age 92.
John was a leader all his life. In high school, he was President of the Delta Sigma fraternity, then was an active member of Kappa Sigma fraternity at the University of Arkansas, where he majored in business. After serving in the U.S. Air Force in England, he returned to Helena where he became a life-long farmer and philanthropist.
He served as a Sunday school teacher at Helena First Presbyterian Church, and gave back to the farming community, serving on numerous boards, including the Arkansas Rice Council, the Cotton Belt Levee Board, and as President of the Arkansas Agricultural Council.
John was always a curious man and a big thinker, and his ideas led to important changes within the Helena community. He was a strong supporter of the public school system, Phillips County Community College, and the Housing Authority. He established scholarships at the PCCC and the University of Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife Ann (Trotter) of 70 years, his three children, eight grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much.
Son John King III said of his father, “What a great man! He was a loving father who cared about and loved so many. He was a leader in his family and in business. I learned a lot from him growing up about work ethic and caring for your community and farming. He was a leader in so many groups in Helena, but the main attribute is his love of his family and friends. He was also a truly fun man that taught me how to live life to the fullest! As I was growing up many people would say ‘you have big shoes to fill.’! And my answer always was ‘If I can fill half his shoes, I will be a happy man.’ Cheers to the man that filled his shoes to the fullest!”
Services are planned for Saturday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Helena, AR, followed by interment at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be sent for the Restoration of the First Presbyterian Church, c/o Delta Magic, at 218 Waverly Wood Circle, Helena, AR, 72342, or the Maple Hill Cemetery Endowment at P.O. Box 136, Helena, AR, 72342.