Published on March 26, 2012 by Mary Wimberley  

Longtime Samford University education professor Dr. Raymond L. King died March 21, 2012.

He retired in 2007 after 35 years on the undergraduate and graduate faculties of Samford's Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies. He was named professor emeritus upon retirement. Prior to joining Samford, he was an elementary school teacher, principal and assistant superintendent in Florida and Alabama public schools.

Dr. King, a graduate of Woodlawn High School, held a bachelor's degree in education from Samford, a master's in school administration from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, and a doctorate in school administration from the University of Alabama. He was a dedicated supporter and board member of the annual Kenny Morgan golf tournament and banquet that raises money for Samford scholarships.

Former school of education colleague Dr. David Little recalls that Dr. King had four deep loves in his life: "His beautiful wife Barbara and their children and grandchildren, his many friends and thousands of former students across the southeast, a deep love for fishing, and his total addiction to any Elvis song."

 

 

 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.