He ‘never missed a day’ as a Macon school crossing guard. What’s next for the 88-year-old?

It has been a little over a month since Roscoe King Jr., the legendary crossing guard for Matilda Hartley Elementary School, put down his stop sign and bid farewell to the Bibb County School District.

Though his official duties of shepherding children safely to and from class have ended, the 88-year-old -- celebrated as one of Macon’s finest crossing guards -- still rises at 4 a.m., eager to embrace the day with a long stroll through Carolyn Crayton Park.

So, what does a typical day look like for King now that he’s traded his reflective traffic vest for a wealth of free time?

“No telling,” he said simply with a chuckle. “I get in my car and just ride. I can’t stay in bed too long.”

King is known for his unwavering bond with “Sweet Cadillac,” his cherished car and companion since 1981, which he said is still kicking and has faithfully carried him over 100,000 miles.

Yet, his heart held another treasure: his dedication to serving the community and its children.

“I bet you I’d give away about $10 to $15 every week to help these kids through school. They come by and say their mama didn’t have no money for milk, ice cream or field trips—things like that,” King told The Telegraph in a phone interview.

“I’ve always been interested in kids. I was a kid myself,” he added, comparing his upbringing with the challenging economic conditions that some children in Macon face today.

Honoring the crossing guard

King first donned the neon crossing guard attire in October 2018, adding another chapter to his life of service as an Army veteran.

“I’ve never missed a day,” he said with pride.

Feb. 12, 2025, was King’s last day with the district, often jesting that he’s now too old to dodge cars or manage bustling traffic.

Last month, the Bibb County Schools campus police honored King at a heartfelt gathering and presented a certificate of appreciation for his dedication to ensuring student safety in the community.

“He is so dependable,” Deputy Chief Latricia Gittens said, noting the students’ deep admiration for King. “He will definitely be missed. He has touched us these last seven years in a way that it was a blessing.”

Sgt. Angelo Bellamy, a relatively new addition to the campus police department, quickly recognized King’s profound impact on the community.

“The next crossing guard we’ll have in this position, which we’re still looking for right now, is going to have very big shoes to fill,” Bellamy said. “Everybody who knows Mr. King knows that he is a man of integrity and hard work. How he embraces the kids was a sight to see, and I appreciate him.”

‘The oldest living person in my family’

For his future endeavors in retirement, King said he plans to stay close to home, acknowledging that his age keeps him from venturing too far.

But his presence remains a vibrant thread in the Macon-Bibb community’s fabric, as locals may find him strolling the neighborhood, sharing his wisdom and recounting resilient stories of Black history.

“I’m the oldest living person in my family on both sides,” he said. “I guess the good Lord is keeping me around to reveal another plan for me because I’m still here… I was born in Georgia. It started here, and this is where it’ll end.”

This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 1:04 PM.