Garland Marc King

Garland Marc King was born July 1, 1959 and passed away peacefully with his family by his side July 16, 2023. 

Garland was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Barbara King, and brother, Bruce King. He is survived by his loving children, Dorian King, Mychael King, Adam (Nora Beltran) King, and Emma (Donovan) King Roby. Also survived by his brother Kyle (Julie) King, sister Sharon King-Roberts, cousin Lisa Butner, close friends Sue Green and Shafer Suggs, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.

Garland was a devoted and loving father, brother, son, athlete and musician. He also was a determined and compassionate coach, respected business manager, committed dog owner, dedicated friend and a solid foundation to those who needed him.

Garland was born in Dayton, Ohio to parents Robert S. King, Jr and Barbara King. They lovingly welcomed their third child and second son, Garland Marc King. Garland graduated from Patterson Cooperative High School and continued his education by earning a BS in Business from Hampton University. Garland began his athletic career playing football in elementary school. His mother also enrolled him in violin lessons where he learned he had perfect pitch and could tune his violin. This led him to sing with the Dayton Boys’ Choir where he performed overseas. At the end of elementary school, he changed his sport to basketball. He and his brother, Bruce, would play for hours. Garland played two years at Hampton University and then dedicated himself to his studies.

Garland King had 22 years of leadership experience in project management, communications, team building, relationship building and training. He demonstrated his expertise in licensing, brand management, market analysis, sales analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and advertising in global markets. As a certified training instructor and sales manager, he developed leadership skills at all management levels. Garland worked at numerous companies to include JC Penney Company, Design Lab, Inc., Unique Sport Generation, Champion Products, Brigata International Inc., Randa Accessories, C.I.T.R.A., and Sandwich Park District.

Garland had three passions: family, sports and enjoying nature. Garland was loving and devoted to his children. They traveled with him on business trips, and enjoyed vacations to Massachusetts and Wisconsin Dells. During these vacations they enjoyed visiting famous restaurants and finding where to partake the best seafood. Not only did he coach his children's teams he traveled to volleyball tournaments, baseball games, and enjoyed quiet time fishing or watching movies with them.  He was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments. He was the happiest when he was with them. One thing that will always remain a core memory of Garland is he would always tell his children; “I love you more than life itself.” He was the best father and role model a child could ever ask for.

Sports were ingrained in Garland’s “DNA”. When his children started playing sports he turned to coaching. He coached Boys' and Girls' basketball teams at Sandwich Middle and High School. He was also the varsity coach for the Girls’ basketball at Somonauk High School. He used coaching as a way to prepare students for life. Garland’s goal for his players was to understand they needed to stick to their plans, put in the work, and be committed to the team. He knew these principles would carry them far in life. It also helped him take several of his teams to regional championships. When Garland was not coaching, he was watching and discussing the Iowa “Hawkeyes” with his brother and sister. His love for nature began when he was very young. While growing up he spent his summers at Camp Atwater in East Brookfield, Massachusetts. He learned to swim and spent hours fishing with his dad. At his home in Sandwich, he would enjoy watching bald and golden eagles soar by his living room window and red foxes running across his yard. He loved dogs and had several. He was very committed to his dog Ruger, he enjoyed walking and playing with him. 

Garland: trustworthy, loving, devoted and dedicated. He was truly loved and will be missed He will definitely be remembered by all that knew him, he was loved. 

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate a donation to International Myeloma Foundation, myeloma.org

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