Mr. Joseph M. King III

Joseph Manley King III, was born October 17, 1945, to the late Joseph M. King Jr and Earlene Frazier in Birmingham Junction, Alabama. Joseph was the eldest child of his seven siblings, Charles, Curtis (1996), Joyce, Karl, Krystal (2010), Otis, and Lydia (2018.) He graduated from Central High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he played football. Upon graduation, Joseph spent three years in the Army, serving overseas including time spent in Europe, bringing with him many memories, and his so often shared saying “Auf Gehtz” meaning let’s go. As one journey ended another began when Joseph enrolled into Cincinnati Bible school, spending 4 years learning the Bible, eventually becoming an ordained associate minister at Baptist churches throughout the South. As Joseph sought the word, he also sought love marrying Doris Marie Williams in 1970. Together, they welcomed a son, Joseph Manley King IV, on November 10, 1970. Unfortunately, their paths diverged, and the couple went their separate ways in 1975. Joseph found love once again in 1986, as he married Wanda Jean Evans. This union brought forth two children, Alicia Amaris King in 1987 and Jonathan Todd King in 1989. The family resided in Cincinnati, Ohio, creating cherished memories together- Sundays at church, family dinners at Gran- Grans, and swimming, among others. Joseph always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and held several jobs, including serving as an orderly for Bethesda hospital in Cincinnati, OH as well as being a career salesman. Joseph was an early adoption salesman of digital currency technology, selling credit card machines and ATMs to many small businesses. He became a business owner in the early 2000s when he started the highly lucrative "Social Centers" and community grocery stores across Birmingham, AL. The Social Centers provided a space for those in the community to connect and the grocery stores served areas known as food deserts. King, as Joseph was commonly called, was a Alabama fan, often wearing his Alabama “A” hat and yelling out Rollllll Tide! He was a lover of Dogs, Lincolns, coffee, and God. Joseph retired in Georgia, spending time with family and friends and finding his loving spouse Josephine Gholston at a donation center. The two attended services together, enjoyed music and traveled the US. In 2021, Joseph endured the heart-wrenching loss of his eldest son, Joseph Manley King IV. Joseph was known to leave smiles and laughter wherever he went. He was a dog lover, and a praying man, often volunteered to lead prayer at family functions and always before departure. For the last years of his life, Joseph and Josephine continued to enjoy each other as he battled health issues. On March 4, 2024, Joseph Manley King III left this world, departing peacefully in Conyers, Rockdale, Georgia. In addition to his siblings and children he leaves to cherish his loving memory, grandchildren Lauren, Anna, Joseph and Melanie and the numerous friends and family who were touched by his presence.

Tributes

Mr. Joseph M. King III

October 17, 1945 - March 4, 2024