Dr. William Douglas King

A West Texas boy at heart, a physician by calling, and a cowboy in spirit. His greatest legacy was not the life he dreamed of living, but the countless lives he touched. And now, having finished his work here, may he ride into God’s eternal pasture beneath an endless sky.

Dr. King was born on March 15, 1934 to H. L. King and Gussie Kennedy King in Greggton, TX, and grew up in the West Texas town of Eastland. After attending his beloved Texas A&M University and graduating from Baylor University with a B.S. Degree in 1956, he graduated from medical school at UTMB, University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas in 1960. He went on to serve his Internship at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, TX, while also serving in the Air Force at Bergstrom Air Force base. He came to Shreveport in 1963 for his Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Confederate Memorial Medical Center. He spent his decades-long medical career in Shreveport, being honored for 50 years in practice.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jimmie Hilborn King of 45 years, and his children, Leigh Ann King Dugger and her husband Charles of Cleora, OK, Lizabeth King Schley and her husband Steve of Bangor, ME, William Weaver King and his wife Cathy of Dexter, MI, and Hollie Herring Bordelon and her husband Bill of San Antonio, TX and Lacey Herring of Shreveport, LA. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Beth, Katey, Ginna, Stephen, Mary Grace, Douglas, Beverly and Levi, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Dr. King was a gentleman cowboy at heart, who loved his horses and farm, and never met a stray dog he wouldn’t take in. A devoted Texas A&M football fan, he rarely missed a televised game (or even a rerun). He found joy in the outdoors, whether playing a round of golf or bird and deer hunting in his more active years. He could quote lines from Lonesome Dove, a story he watched countless times and one that captured the spirit of the West he admired so deeply. His love for traditions, values and the wide-open spirit of the West was woven into the way he lived every day – with quiet strength, kindness, humor, and an unwavering sense of honor.

He passed away peacefully at home on August 5th with his wife by his side. The visitation will be held at 10:00 on Saturday, August 15th in Couch Chapel at First Methodist Church in downtown Shreveport, followed by the church service at 11:00, and graveside ceremony directly afterward.

The family wishes to thank Elite Health Solutions and Christus Hospice for their compassionate care.

The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 31805.