The Tucker community is in a state of distress since James "Bud" King, a man synonymous with local high school sports, went missing last Saturday night. The 57-year-old, celebrated for his unwavering volunteerism at Tucker High School, was reportedly last seen boarding a MARTA bus following a meal at the Applebee's on Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker. "Everyone knows him, is aware of him, but no one has seen him since Saturday night," said Richard King, Bud's nephew, in a report by FOX 5 Atlanta.
On Thursday, a group of relatives and concerned individuals canvassed the forests off Memorial Drive in Decatur, distributing leaflets and seeking any clue that can assist in locating King. Bud's integration into the very fabric of Tucker High School's athletic programs has rendered his absence all the more palpable. James Hartry, who has headed the boys' basketball team for 24 years, told BNN Breaking, "Bud kept my stats, even the other team's stats as well, and just about anybody in the state's stats. He was big part of my program, he was my guy."
The increasing anxiety surrounding King's disappearance has elicited a rallying cry for assistance from the community. His involvement stretches across nearly every sports team at the high school, making him a familiar face and a valued member of the Tucker community. Amidst the extensive search, Richard King has made an appeal saying, "If anybody has caught a glimpse of Bud, we just want our family home. We love him. We're worried about him. Please, if you see him, call 911. Keep us in your prayers and keep looking for him."
As the search enters its critical days, the community's collective spirit shines through. Flyers with King's likeness continue to circle the area, while friends and family hold onto hope that the integral figure to Tucker's scholastic sports scene will return safely.
