SCI founder dies | People

The founder of SCI, a fortune 500 company, and former University of Alabama system board of trustees member has died.

Olin King was the founder of Pace Craft Inc. and a long time supporter and benefactor of UAH and was a significant influence on the campus.

“We are deeply saddened at the loss of one of our City’s foremost business leaders and philanthropists," said Mayor Tommy Battle. "Many of us will remember Olin as a pioneer in contract manufacturing, a man who created SCI and turned it into Fortune 500 company. Others will remember Olin for his commitment to education through his service as a trustee to the University of Alabama system and the UAHuntsville Foundation, and his generosity to those institutions. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the King family.”

King is credited with gifting the Olin B. King Technology Hall and the Shelbie King administration hall. He was also instrumental in establishing the King-McDonald Eminent Scholar in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

King served as a UAH President’s Council chairman from 1994 to 1997.

“King will be remembered as one of the South’s most innovative entrepreneurs and a tireless champion for our three campuses,” said UA System Chancellor Robert E. Witt.