SR1057 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1057 LRB100 15401 ALS 30388 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Pastor William "Bill" James King of Zion, who passed away on September 21, 2017; and

WHEREAS, William King was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Charles Robert Walls Sr. and Susie Applewhite on October 2, 1950; he had six siblings, Gloria (Damien) Blanchard, Angeline Banks, Walter R. Applewhite Jr., Barry (Lorraine) Applewhite, and Walterine (Elroy) Applewhite, and he was the oldest; he grew up in Memphis with his grandparents, Mason and Florence King; he eventually moved to Waukegan and graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1968; upon graduation, he attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education; he furthered his education at National Louis University, where he received at Master of Science in Education Leadership; he later completed required coursework at Roosevelt University for his Doctorate in Education; he married Pamela D. King on July 20, 1974; and

WHEREAS, William King began his career in education as a Fine Arts teacher with the Waukegan Community Unit School District #60; while with the Waukegan School District, he worked as an art teacher, Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, and Coordinator of Fine Arts for the entire district; he was also employed with the North Chicago Unit School District as Dean of Students, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal; after 36 years in education, he retired from the North Chicago Community Unit School District #187 as the Principal of Marjorie P. Hart Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, William King received several awards throughout his career, including Who's Who Among America's Teachers; he was recognized as a North Shore Art League Scholar, an Outstanding Educator by the National Association of University Women, and as a Lake County Most Influential Educator; and

WHEREAS, William King served as a member on several boards, including the Community Coalition United for Education, the Illinois Law Advisory, and the Lake County Urban League Board; during his time as an educator, he also served as a coach for boys track and varsity football; and

WHEREAS, William King joined the First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Eugene Roberson; during his membership, he served as a Deacon, Associate Minister, a choir member, and the Superintendent of Sunday School; he became an ordained minister and served as a member of the North Shore Ministers Alliance; he also served as secretary of the New Era District; he was installed as the Pastor of Christian Love Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, William King loved teaching, whether inside a classroom or on the field; he found joy in mentoring youth and inspiring them to reach their fullest potential; he was an artist and loved to create masterpieces; and

WHEREAS, William King was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mason and Florence King; his aunt and uncle, Catherine and Charlie Smith; his uncle, J.B. King; and his father-in-law, C.J. Bankston; and

WHEREAS, William King is survived by his loving wife, Pamela; his children, William (Rochelle) King, Kaliina (Larry) Fenner, and Kyle King; his grandchildren, Amani Rochelle King, Jalen James Fenner, William C. King II, Nyla Marie Fenner, and Malakai Jeremiah Bloom-King; and his many nieces, nephews, godchildren, students, and dear friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William "Bill" James King and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of William King as an expression of our deepest sympathy.