ONE of south Essex’s most successful businessmen has died.

Jack King, 91, built up Canvey’s Kings Park, off Creek Road, before selling it to Britannia for a reported £32million.

Tributes have been paid to the “larger than life” former councillor, whose family have gone on to build up an empire on the island.

Bill Sharp, who served as a Castle Point councillor with Mr King for six years, described him as a “lovely man”.

He said: “Jack and I were friends for about 40 years.

“We were both representatives of Winter Gardens together.

“We were very close. He was a personal friend as well as a colleague.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of a man who was bigger than life itself.

“He was a lovely man.

“He never looked 93. He was young in his mind and his thoughts.”

Mr Sharp said Mr King, who died in Southend Hospital yesterday morning surrounded by his family ten days after being admitted, cared deeply for the residents of the caravan park.

He added: “He used to sit outside the office and everyone would walk up to him to say ‘hello’. He knew everyone’s name.

“Even after he sold Kings, he would go over to Thorney Bay instead and everyone knew him there as well.

“I am sure there will be a lot of sorrow from people there when they hear the news.

“He took the park on when it was in a dreadful condition and built it into what it is today.

“He did so much for the people at the park.”

He added that Mr King, who lived in Benfleet, was always very concerned about the safety and wellbeing of residents, investing in security.

Michael Prideaux, director of Kings Park Village, as it is now known, was full of praise for Mr King, describing him as a “gentleman” and “visionary”.

He said: “We purchased Kings Park from Jack in 2007, and Jack was a complete visionary.

“He created the finest park home estate in the country and he was a complete gentleman to do business with.”

Mr King, who was happily married to his wife Bernadette for 39 years, was also heavily involved with Canvey Island Football Club.

His son Jeff- who Mr King was said to be “very proud” of- managed the club at one point, and Mr King followed its progression up the divisions closely.

Billy Heale, a director at the club, based in Park Lane, said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the death.

Canvey Football Club chairman John Batch told the Echo the Gulls will be holding a meeting tonight to decide how best to commemorate the life of the “inspirational” Mr King.

He said: “If it wasn’t for Jack and his family’s investment, the club wouldn’t be where it is today, or have enjoyed the success it has.

“It has been a real adventure and Jack, along with his son Jeff, have taken the club to great heights.

“We’ll be deciding as football club how best to pay tribute to Jack, but our game with Greenwich Borough on Saturday will have a minute silence.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.