Roy Lynn King, born August 14, 1932, in Wellington, Texas, to James Luther Lawrence King and Lula Lois Hall-King, passed peacefully at home on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, January 31, at First Presbyterian Church in Pampa, Texas, burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Affectionately known as “The Hugging Preacher,” Roy was known for his warmth, kindness, and ability to make people feel welcomed and safe. He graduated from Brite College of the Bible at Texas Christian University in 1958 and served as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) across Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Mississippi, and California. Even in retirement, he continued serving through interim ministry and pulpit supply.
Roy was deeply committed to camps, retreats, and spiritual formation and played a role in the beginnings of Ekklesia Global. He will be remembered for his compassion, wit, humility, and lifelong devotion to people and faith.
Roy was preceded in death by his siblings Lloyd King, Jimmy King, Jerrye Smith, and Danny King. For more than twenty years, he made his home on the Meers farm south of Pampa, Texas—a place he loved and where he found peace.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy Louise Meers of Pampa; daughters and sons-in-law, Eulaine and Ken McIntosh, and Michelle and Dave Beech; grandchildren, Tap, Wiley, and Mariah McIntosh; and sixteen nieces and nephews from the King and Meers families.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roy’s name to one of the following: Good Samaritan Christian Services, 409 N. Ward, Pampa, TX 79065, Ekklesia Global – Healing Religious Trauma and Building Beloved Community: https://ekklesialove.com/donate/ , or Ministerial Relief and Assistance, Pension Fund of the Christian Church: https://pensionfund.my.site.com/giving/dn8n__SiteDonation
Please sign the online registry at www.carmichael-whatley.com
