Joe Louis King

MR. JOE LOUIS KING Full name status is generally reserved for a select few – presidents, actors, and maybe a beloved character from film or television. And yet, he was so iconic and so beloved that everyone – from family to friends to business associates – knew him familiarly as “Joe King.” Mr. Joe Louis King, son of the late Rev. John King and the late Mrs. Roena King (née Maldon), was born on December 6, 1936, in Evergreen, AL. Growing up, he loved playing basketball and baseball, and spending time with his many siblings. Joe was educated at schools in Conecuh County, AL, and then attended Lomax-Hannon Junior College in Greenville, AL. After graduation, he relocated to New Brunswick, NJ, and married Doris Jeanette King (née Williams) on July 6, 1958. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Mrs. Lauren Justus (née King). Throughout his life, Joe was a hard worker with an entrepreneurial spirit. In the early 1980s, he entered the tavern business with his groundbreaking establishment “Somewhere Else” in New Brunswick, NJ. Somewhere Else and its successors served as staples in the community for more than 30 years. Whether one was looking for a spirited debate or an after-work drink, Somewhere Else was the place to be. Joe took great pride in providing opportunities through employment, including for several of his family members, and was particularly excited to train his daughter Lauren and grandson Darien on the family business. One of Joe’s greatest passions was bowling. For more than 20 years prior to opening his tavern, he was an avid bowler, and played on several leagues at Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick, NJ. He and his wife, Doris, were in a mixed doubles league, and he would bowl at least once a week. On February 23, 1981, The Central New Jersey Home News even heralded his peak bowling accomplishment – a perfect 300 game the night prior – in a story titled “King rolls 300.” Joe loved God, and attended Antioch Christian Church in New Brunswick, NJ. He served his community in countless ways and worked to keep his neighborhoods safe. He was a conversationalist and loved to engage in spirited discussions, including on the many mornings he had breakfast with his friends at Sunny Seafood in Somerset, NJ. Joe was charismatic and truly left his mark in every room he entered. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren, who called him “Granddad,” and he especially liked playing golf with his grandson Darien. The impact of his loss cannot be overstated, and his legacy will endure for generations to come through the many lives he touched. Joe departed this life on October 2, 2022, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents; his devoted wife, Doris; his brothers, Charles King, John King, and Joseph King; his sisters, Julia Alexander Hayes, Susie Mae Griffin and Naomi King. He is survived by his daughter, Lauren and son-in-law, Estel Leon Justus III (“Leon”) of Lakewood, OH; grandchildren, Darien Rosado, Mia Justus, Ellie Justus, Estel Leon Justus IV (“LJ”), Tatum Justus, and Sadie Justus of Lakewood, OH; brother, Ceasar King of New Brunswick, NJ; sisters Mary Harrison of Greensboro, NC and Emma Hamilton and Lille Penn of Somerset, NJ; goddaughters Dianne Harrison of Charlotte, NC and Susan Scott of Boston, MA; companion, Sharon "Cheryl" Larry of New Brunswick, NJ; and a host of loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. There will be an informal viewing on Sunday, October 9, 2022, 4-6 pm at Anderson Funeral Service, 201 Sandford Street, New Brunswick, NJ. Visitation and a funeral service will be held on Monday, October 10 at 10 am and 11 am, respectively, at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset Street, Somerset, NJ. Interment will follow immediately thereafter at Van Liew Cemetery, 585 Georges Road, North Brunswick, NJ. Rev. Justin Henderson, associate pastor, officiated and Rev. Conway Johnson, pastor of Sharon Baptist Church, New Brunswick, eulogist. In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Joe’s avid support for the communities in which he lived and served, please donate to the New Brunswick Police PBA 23.

Joe Louis King

December 6, 1936 - October 2, 2022