Joseph Earle King III,
2/21/48-8/9/20
Columbia-Joseph E. King III, known by friends and loved ones as Joe or Jose, was born in Hartsville, S.C. to Shirley Moore King and Joseph E. King, Jr. (deceased). Joe was one of five children; brothers, Theodore and David; and was predeceased by his brother, Edward Hamlin King and sister, Susan King Walta. Joe married Beth Ackerman in 1970, and together they had a daughter, Sally Elizabeth King (Bellamy).
Joe graduated from BC High School in 1966 and from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Science. He was a member of Mensa and Midlands Astronomy Club for many years where he advocated for the reduction of light pollution. Joe was passionate about learning new things and found computers fascinating so he was a member of the Columbia Computer Club for many years. He was a dedicated member and one time President of the Palmetto Amateur Radio Club where he met many friends and enjoyed many stimulating conversations, as well as a former MARS operator. Always gregarious, Joe was enthusiastic to speak to radio operators all over the world. Joe was a voracious reader of fiction - especially science fiction.
Joe loved any opportunity to spend time outdoors: bicycling, motorcycle riding, and amateur sports car racing. He volunteered several years with the MS bike tour setting up routes and participating in raising funds for awareness and research of Muscular Sclerosis. Anyone that knew Joe heard many happy stories of his days driving the Sunbeam Tiger in the Columbia Sports Car Club as well as through the Blue Ridge Parkway along some of his favorite roads. He was a member of the Concours Owners Group, and he and his wife took an unforgettable trip in the ‘90s from Columbia, S.C. to Colorado on his Concours motorcycle.
Joe worked for the City of Columbia for 28 years in the Engineering Department. After his retirement, he greatly enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons, Paten and Brice Bellamy, introducing them to computers, astronomy as well as history, politics, ethics and philosophy. Joe had a formidable mind and a positive spirit, encouraging and supportive of those around him. He was a generous, loving and conscientious man who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family.
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