Obituary of Joseph Raymond King

Joseph “Joe” King
March 8, 1951 – September 1, 2025

Joseph “Joe” King, 74, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025.

Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 12, at White’s Chapel Church, 185 S White Chapel Rd, Southlake.

Memorials: Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of their choice or the Lighthouse Foundation, an organization Joe helped to start.

Joe was born March 8, 1951, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Inez and Joseph King. He spent much of his youth—and all of his dreams—around Narragansett Bay, a place he dearly loved.

Joe built a remarkable career as a non-profit lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Even when he prepared to move to Texas, his colleagues refused to let him turn in his key, telling him he would always have an office there.

Once in Grapevine, Texas, Joe quickly became part of the fabric of the community. He poured his energy into people and causes alike, becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion, and Grapevine AMBUCS. His social circle was enormous, and friends naturally gravitated to him.

When hospice care began, more than 40 friends gathered in his room to share stories. True to form, Joe quipped, “This is great—I get to attend my own wake.” That was the spirit of our friend Joe—humorous, gracious, and always fully present.

Joe was preceded in death by his son Stephen King, son-in-law Aaron White, and his wife Nelda Collins King. 

He is survived by his daughter Molly White, son Christopher King, daughter-in-law Kathryn King, grandchildren McNaren, Finley, and Lilly, along with countless friends who will forever miss his humor, humanity, and wise counsel.