Belize Film Commissioner, Emory King, passed away on Tuesday evening, August 14, at his home in Tropical Park at the age of 76.
Since his arrival in Belize in 1953 after the yacht he was on ran aground on the Belize Barrier Reef near English Caye, King has been talking and writing about Belize. King began writing a weekly column for the Belize Times in the early 1970’s, and later wrote nine books based on his personal experiences, as well as his studies on the settlement of Belize.
These books are “How to Invest or Retire in Belize,” “Hey Dad, This is Belize,” “I Spent It All In Belize,” “The Little World of Danny Vasquez,” “Belize, 1798 – The Road to Glory,” “Slavery in Belize – A Family Affair,” “The Great Story of Belize Vol. I & II” and “Emory King’s Driver’s Guide to Belize.”
King also made his living in public relations, insurance, real estate, and tourism.
Emory King played a vital role in the development of Belize’s film industry. He helped to coordinate the production of the first movie ever to be filmed in Belize – “The Dogs of War” in 1979, and later, three big budget films.
In December of 1998, King was rewarded for his contribution to the film industry in Belize when he was appointed the first Film Commissioner of Belize by the Government of Belize.
Emory King, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, was predeceased by his wife, Elisha, and his second son, Alexander King. He is survived by his first son, Emory, Jr., and two grandchildren.
Funeral services for Emory Ralston King were held on Thursday afternoon, August 16, at Holy Redeemer Cathedral, followed by interment at his home in Tropical Park.