Lennis Carlisle King, Jr.

On July 24, 2026, at the age of 77, Lennis “Len” Carlisle King, Jr., departed, leaving the world a quieter place.

Len was born on October 23, 1948, in Mayfield, Kentucky. He was the oldest of three and, throughout his early childhood, took great delight in entertaining his family, whether by providing permanent haircuts to his youngest sister’s dolls or putting holes in the wall while running mock football plays in full gear. There was never a shortage of energy. During these years, Len gained from his father an appreciation for carpentry and craftsmanship—a skill he would maintain throughout his life and use to create, build, and fix anything and everything.

At Mayfield High School, Len played on the varsity football team (where he held the punting record for years), made countless friends, and began to sharpen his trademark humor that would leave an indelible mark on the world. He played many pranks on classmates and family, at least one of which earned the front page of the Mayfield Messenger and involved the thoughtful conversion of a cigarette machine to a portable “jail,” a willing participant, and a highway intersection.

With his distinctive voice, Len embarked on a career in broadcasting. Armed with a degree in communications from Murray State University, he became a newsman at WAKY (Louisville), where he cemented his passion for broadcasting and made lifelong friends. Len went on to lead programs as news director and anchor at WSGO (New Orleans), CKLW (Windsor, Ontario), WNOE (New Orleans), and WLW (Cincinnati). Len’s early broadcasting days were filled with adventure, including sailing the seas with Jacques Cousteau.

Len’s broadcasting skills carried him to Atlanta, where he served as CNN Radio’s director of operations and general manager. At CNN, he continued broadcasting, anchoring the evening news, and recording “voice overs” for commercials and transitions, many of which were featured in motion pictures. Throughout, Len maintained his humor and character, bringing his razor-sharp wit and color even to the banality of the corporate world.

Beyond his professional success, Len’s greatest achievement was his family. In 1976, Len met Linda—his partner of 50 years—on a flight to New Orleans while she was working as a flight attendant. Len asked her to join him for Mardi Gras, and, after deliberation, she said yes. They became inseparable, traveled widely together and, in 1978, Linda said yes again, this time to be his wife. They moved to Kennesaw, Georgia, and had two sons.

Len was an immensely proud husband, father, and grandfather. He built impressive forts and treehouses for his sons, whom he placed before everything. He captained innumerable road trips and vacations and instilled in his children his love of the great outdoors, taking them hiking in the mountains of north Georgia and his favorite place, Montana. Len taught his sons the importance of patience, hard work, independence, humility, and not taking life too seriously. He gave them a life filled with adventure, laughter, and love. His sons could not have asked for a better father, and they will carry his teachings for the rest of their lives. He was just the best.

Len spent his retirement years in Fairhope, Alabama, where he enjoyed reminiscing about old times with friends and family, continuing to teach his children, and playing with his five grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and who called him “Bapa.” Len’s favorite activity was mowing the lawn on his beloved tractor. When either of his sons called him, he was about to mow, mowing, or had just finished mowing. It brought him a special peace. Appropriately, on July 24, 2026, Len completed his final mow, parked his tractor for the last time, and passed shortly thereafter.

Len will be remembered as the gentlest, funniest, kindest, calmest, and most patient man in the room. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and never spoke ill of others. He left the world a better place and will be sorely missed.

Len is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons Brandon (Lucca), and Hunter (Bri); grandchildren Arden, Rory, Georgia, Eloise, and Otto; sisters Carol (Mark), and Camille; and several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He has been lovingly reunited with his parents, Lennis King, Sr. and Jewell King, and beloved dog, Willie.

A celebration of life will be held on November 21, 2026, in Fairhope, Alabama.