A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE ROBERT NORMAN "BOB" KING OF NORTH CHARLESTON AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of the Honorable Robert Norman "Bob" King of North Charleston at the venerable age of 90 on April 26, 2024; and

Whereas, the son of James and Eula Mae King, Bob was a lifelong resident of the Park Circle area of North Charleston, where he started his own family and was a longtime active member of North Charleston United Methodist Church. This graduate of North Charleston High School earned his bachelor's degree at The Citadel and was a member of the Citadel Alumni Association (Charleston Chapter); and

Whereas, in the proud tradition of the sons of South Carolina, Bob King served with distinction in the United States Army from 1953, after high school graduation, until 1956, followed by his studies at The Citadel. In 1963, he was commissioned into the United States Army Reserve. Over the years, he served as a commanding officer assigned to the 942nd Transportation Company (Charleston); instructor assigned to the South Carolina National Guard; conductor of annual Reserve training at various locations around the country; staff officer assigned to the South Carolina Military Department; and commanding officer, Joint Services, in the office of the South Carolina adjutant general, with the rank of major general. A member of the Washington Light Infantry and Sumter Guards, he also was an honorary commander of Joint Base Charleston; and

Whereas, Bob spent his life in service to others, and his civic and community service was extensive and long-standing. Past offices include service as Mesne Conveyance for Charleston County register and North Charleston Municipal Court judge, as well as service on North Charleston City Council and Charleston County Council. He truly loved the City of North Charleston and served the people of the city as a city councilman until December 31, 2023; and

Whereas, in addition, he was past chairman of the Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, member of the MEAD Westvaco Citizens Advisory Committee, and past president of both the Association of the United States Army (Charleston Chapter) and North Charleston Jaycees. He also was chair of the Charleston National Association of County Recorders and Clerks of Court. Mr. King established the committee that led to the founding of Trident Hospital, participated in the founding of the Charleston County EMS system, and wrote legislation for the establishment of the Charleston County Substance Abuse Commission. As of 2023, Bob King had served fifty-four years in Charleston County as an elected or appointed official; and

Whereas, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the citizens of North Charleston and his remarkable service, on November 11, 2023, the newly redeveloped Park Circle Community Building was dedicated to Bob King; and

Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of over sixty-five years, Jean Mitchum King; his daughters, Debra Powell and Stacey Simokat (Matt); a son, Rob King (Janice); six grandchildren, Michael and Amanda Scott, Austin King (Camille) and Macara King, and Blake and Ashlyn Simokat; five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House are grateful for the life and legacy of Bob King and for the example of service and excellence he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Robert Norman "Bob" King of North Charleston and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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