When Did Martin Luther King Senior Die
Martin Luther King Senior, also known as Daddy King, died on November 11, 1984, at the age of 84. He passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, from natural causes related to long-term health issues. His death marked the end of an era for the King family and the broader civil rights community. The event was widely reported by major outlets, confirming the date and circumstances surrounding his final days. Britannica confirms his death date and biographical details.
The official cause of death was attributed to complications from heart disease and other age-related conditions. King Sr. had been in declining health for several years before his passing. His death certificate and public records list cardiovascular issues as the primary factors. Family members and close associates noted that he had been frail in the months leading up to his death. Stanford King Institute provides family history and timeline.
Martin Luther King Senior Age and Legacy at Death
Age at Death and Key Milestones
Martin Luther King Senior was 84 years old when he died in 1984. He was born on December 19, 1899, in Stockbridge, Georgia. His life spanned major periods of American history, from segregation to the civil rights movement. He survived his son, Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated in 1968. King Sr. continued to advocate for racial equality and economic justice until his final years. The King Center documents the family legacy and timeline.
Family and Succession
At the time of his death, King Sr. was the patriarch of a family deeply involved in social justice. His wife, Alberta Williams King, had been killed in 1974. He remained active in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other organizations. His surviving children, including Bernice King and Dexter Scott King, carried forward his work. King Sr.'s death was followed by tributes from national leaders and civil rights organizations.
Where Did Martin Luther King Senior Die and Burial Details
Place of Death and Final Arrangements
Martin Luther King Senior died in Atlanta, Georgia, at a local hospital. His body was returned to Atlanta for funeral services. A memorial service was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he had served as co-pastor. He was buried at South-View Cemetery in Atlanta, beside his wife Alberta. The funeral drew thousands of mourners and was covered by national media. National Park Service covers his life and final resting place.
Public and Historical Impact
King Sr.'s death was noted as the closing of a significant chapter in American civil rights history. His influence extended through his leadership in the Montgomery bus boycott and his support for his son's activism. Historians and biographers continue to study his role in shaping the movement. His legacy is preserved in archives, museums, and educational programs across the United States. Library of Congress holds civil rights history resources.