Earl F. King, age 74, of U.S. Hwy. 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, a well-known businessman, aviator, musician, and volunteer, passed away July 31, 2009, at the Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Kentucky. He was born February 4, 1935, at Grahn in Carter County, Kentucky, son of the late Cecil E. and Ruby Phillips King. When Earl was 18 months old, his mother passed away; and he was raised by his maternal grandparents, the late Bill and Ellen Waugh Phillips. Earl is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Patrick King, whom he married on November 24, 1955; one daughter, Cheryl King Miller and her husband Mitchell of Owingsville, Kentucky; and one grandson, Mitchell Scott Fielden Miller, who was named for his father and grandfather. A daughter, Tonia Denise King, preceded him in death on April 4, 1988. Other survivors include nieces, nephews, and cousins. For many years, Earl was a leasing agent for various coal and oil companies including Addington Coal, Ashland Oil, and General Refractories. He was also a former employee of REA in Grayson and the U.S. Forest Service. A licensed pilot for over 40 years whose handle was -Sky King,- Earl delighted in flying his Cessna out of the Farmers airport until it closed and then the Olive Hill airport. He enjoyed flying until November of last year. Music was another passion of Earl-s. He was the bass player for The Soul Searchers, a Bluegrass gospel group, for several years and enjoyed ministering about the Lord. Always interested in community development, Earl served six years on the Carter County Board of Education. He was a Shriner and member of Soldier Masonic Lodge No. 708. Earl was a volunteer firefighter with the Hayes Crossing-Haldeman Fire Department. He was founder of the Department-s Wildland Team and served as the Wildland Team Coordinator. Earl served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was a member of the Bowen Chapel Free Will Baptist Church for over 40 years, where he had been Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Dale Richmond and Pastor Terry Frerichs officiating. Burial will follow in Bowen Chapel Cemetery. Members of the Hayes Crossing-Haldeman Fire Department will serve as Active and Honorary Pallbearers. Active pallbearers will be Mike Patrick, Jerry Bowen, Jerry Bryant, Ashley Markwell, Austin Knipp, and Duane Dehart. Visitation for Earl F. King is after 5 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2009, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hope Lodge (sponsored by the American Cancer Society), 1500 College Way, Lexington, KY 40502. Visitation: Monday, August 3, 2009, after 5 p.m. Funeral: Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at 1 p.m. Interment: Bowen Chapel Cemetery