Harvey Clarke King

Harvey (Pappy) Clarke King, formerly of Conyers and most recently of Athens, passed away Friday evening, April 11, 2025. He was born on March 27, 1941, in East Point, GA, where he was raised. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Gordon and Margaret King, and his beloved wife of 58 years, Laura King, as well as his brother-in-law Donald (Buddy) Boone and sister-in-law Nina King.

He is survived by his daughter Georgianna and son (in law) Hal Ingram, his granddaughter Madison Ingram, his sister Nancy Boone, his brother Bill King, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Known affectionally as the “governor” by those who traveled and tailgated with him, Harvey never met a stranger he couldn’t charm with a (mostly) true tale from his illustrious life. Harvey was an avid lover of both Georgia football and Kentucky bourbon, and could talk at length about both. However, he told anyone who would listen that his great loves were the women in his life: his wife Laura, his sister Nancy, his daughter Georgianna, and his granddaughter Madison.

Harvey also had a great affection for his son-in-law Hal. They golfed together regularly and shared a love of snow skiing. Most of all, Harvey found a kindred spirit in Hal regarding Georgia football. Their many trips together to watch the Dawgs play are legendary among family and friends.

Harvey would spend hours on the lake, teaching Georgianna’s friends to waterski. He also learned to be an excellent horse “clipper” for Georgianna, and pulled a horse trailer all over the state of Georgia. He loved spoiling his girls, and would settle any bill Georgianna ran up at Kersey's throughout the weekends on the lake. He loved to spoil his granddaughter Madison most of all. He would sit outside the American Girl doll store in Chicago to be first in line to get her doll’s hair fixed. They had a special code for when she really wanted something her parents wouldn’t get her; he never turned her down once.

Harvey was an Army veteran who was immensely proud of his time in the service. His time in Germany and his over 30 years working at Delta inspired he and his wife Laura to travel around the world throughout their life. His travels and his time in the service would form the basis of many of his stories, all of which will be carried on by the hundreds (or more) who heard them.

We ask that in his honor you eat a great meal with good friends around you, preferably with a bourbon in hand. This football season we will be calling the Dawgs in his honor.

Most importantly, Harvey was kind. He went out of his way to do kind acts without recognition. After settling Madison’s bill at the book fair (a tall order) he would quietly help out any child in need who could not afford to buy books. He helped an untold number of children without mentioning it to anyone because it was kind. We also ask that you do a kind act for the people around you in his memory.

His visits to Guatemala and India fundamentally changed him; he was more than ever dedicated to the wellbeing of children all over the world. On that note, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Doctors Without Borders, the World Central Kitchen, or the Wounded Warriors Project. There will be a celebration of life to be announced at a later date; details will be made available.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com