Carl Sterling King (Thunder Chicken), 80, of Auburn, told his last joke on January 7, 2022. Luckily, he told enough jokes throughout his life that his family and friends will be telling them for years to come.

Son of Clyde and Sarah King, Carl was born December 24, 1941, at their family home in Lake Park. He came to live with his uncle and aunt, Spec & Helen, in Auburn after the passing of his father where he attended school, graduating from Lake View Auburn High School in 1961. On April 29, 1962, he married Kathleen, and together they had six wild boys. Later in life, Carl moved to Arizona where he married Claudia on September 27, 1995.

Carl was a lifelong jokester and hard worker. He owned King's Body Shop in Auburn, King's Hill north of Auburn, King's Trucking, and served as the Chief of Police for the city of Auburn. Bodywork later became more of a hobby for Carl than a job. Carl loved playing pool and riding motorcycles. He also had a love for animals and cooking. If you visited his home for a meal, you could guarantee he filled more than just your bowl.

More than anything Carl loved spending time with his family - what better way to combine all of the things he loved than to have everyone over for a meal and a game of pool. Of course, there would be jokes too!

Carl is survived by his wife of 26 years, Claudia; his children, Lonnie, Daniel (Candy), Dale (Toni), Kevin (Jody), Colin (Caryn), and Shane (Alison); twenty-one grandchildren who were constantly asked to pull his finger; sixteen great-grandchildren; his siblings, Jean (Stan) Hawes and Roger (Patsy) King; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, step sons Shawn and Ryan, and cousin, Joe Bachman, who was a brother to him.

Carl loved to make everyone smile and laugh. His smile lives on in each of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Lampe & Powers Funeral Home in Lake City. Burial will be held at a later date.