Viewing will be held 4-8 PM Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 6934 S Western Ave. Funeral Services to honor a life well lived will be held 2:00 PM Friday, September 24, 2021 at the South Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 6934 S Western Ave OKC, OK 73139.

The King family kindly requests all attendees wear mask to the funeral service on Friday and all scheduled events.

Ralph Gale King (98), peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 19, 2021 in Norman, OK. Ralph was born in Lindsay, OK on March 3, 1923 to Joseph H. & Dollie (Davis) King.

Spending most of his early years in Lindsay, Ralph often reflected fondly on the character building experiences of his youth. He would tell tales of riding his bicycle all around the state, including from Lindsay to Edmond, taking upwards of 6 hours, in order to get his college education.

Ralph faithfully served his country during World War II in the U. S. Navy and was honorably discharged with the rank of Seaman First Class.

Ralph married his first wife, Bonnie Garms, October 1946; together they had four children: Gayle, Joe, Sherry, & Suzanne (Suzy). Bonnie and Ralph were married for 19 years. He then married Ann Jolly in 1965. Ralph and Ann remained blissfully wedded for 54 years until her passing in 2019.

Ralph received his Bachelor's degree in Education from Central State College in May 1946 in Edmond, OK. He followed his passion for education by teaching English in Kingfisher, Minco, and Oklahoma City. In 1965, he began teaching English & Driver's Education at U. S. Grant High School and continued there until his retirement in 1981.

Upon being asked, "Mr. King, what did you teach?" he would simply, cleverly respond with "I taught kids," accompanied with his sassy smirk.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wives Bonnie Toland and Elsie "Ann" King and step son Randy Jolly, twelve siblings, and one great grandson.

He is survived by his children: Gayle King, Joe King & wife Linda, Sherry King, and Suzy King; step children: Gary Jolly & wife Debbie, Jackie Fitzgerald & husband Cecil & Kathy Jolly. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.