John Dowell "Dal" King, 81, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023, at his home.  Visitation is scheduled for Monday, February 20, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS.  He will lie in state from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the funeral service Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Randy Rigdon officiating.  The interment will be at Friendship Cemetery, Fernbank, AL, with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Mr. King was born on February 12, 1942, to the late John Dowell King and Annette Jones King, in Columbus, MS.  Dal served in the Army during the Vietnam War.  He was in an Airborne division but called himself a grunt or a ground pounder when referring to his service.  He received two purple hearts during his service.  There were many jobs during his life; firefighter, carpenter, and Hooker Chemical, but his favorite was serving as first mate for Hannah Marine on the Great Lakes.  He was a member of the Roast and Boast pig fest team, the "Poker Players", and a supporter of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  Dal enjoyed playing cards, hunting, and fishing.  But his favorite pastime was watching the wildlife around his house.  He fed raccoons, possums, foxes, crows, deer, flying squirrels, and all kinds of birds daily.  He had a gift for storytelling.  Some were known to be embellished ever so slightly.  He was known as " The KANG " to his many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Wayne King.  He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Dale Duncan, Benny Coleman, Grady Thompson, Buddy Easley, Jimmy T. Williams, Barney Conn, Mike Smith, and Robert Malone.  The honorary pallbearer will be Sonny Collum.

Memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hyland Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306