Joseph H. Slocum, Jr.

Joseph (Joe) Hoyt Slocum Jr. was born on July 26, 1932, in Dallas, Texas, and passed away June 8, 2022, in Floresville, Texas, at the age of 89. He was raised in Dallas, Texas, was active in gymnastics from 1947 to 1957 at the Dallas Athletic Club, and competed in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1948.

Joe attended Southern Methodist University, then served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was in a counter fire platoon at the front, then served as the military escort for “Kids From Home” - a group of students from Amherst College who traveled around Korea entertaining the troops. He received an honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant.

After he returned from Korea, Joe attended the University of Texas, where he attained a business degree. He was married then divorced, and had one son, William “Bill” Slocum, who passed away January 16, 1984 at the age of 25. Joe spent much of his adult life in sales, which led him to travel extensively. He loved the State of Texas, and had the distinction of visiting every county in the state. Eventually he landed his “dream job”, working in the state capitol with TravelTex, the State of Texas travel information bureau. There, he was able to share his extensive knowledge of Texas roads and attractions.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph H. Slocum, Sr. and Nora Mae Acklin Slocum; his son, William Garrett Slocum; and his three sisters, Leone Slocum Austin, Dollie Slocum Griffin, and Joanne Slocum Jenkins. He is survived by a cousin, J.T. Slocum; and a host of nieces, nephews, past coworkers, and friends. He was intentional about staying in touch with the people who impacted his life.