Today marks what would have been the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 88th birthday. On April 4, 1968, the world lost one of its most peaceful and strong heroes, when a gunman tragically assassinated Dr. King as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

He gave so much of his life, 39 years to be exact, to the world and we will have his legacy to reflect on forever. As we approach the 50th anniversary of his death, several are taking time out of their schedules to reflect on his life, legacy and what it means for us past, present and moving forward.

While many knew of King’s family, most of the spotlight insist on highlighting his work in civil rights and nonviolence. But he happened to be the husband of Coretta Scott King, a civil rights activist and motivator in her own right. Here are a few photos that show a different side of King, the loving husband, father and family man.