Joseph "Joe" Rogers King Jr.

Joseph "Joe" Rogers King Jr., of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on October 22, 2026. Born October 24, 1938, in Nashville to Joseph Rogers King and Stella Mae Proffitt King, Joe built a life marked by faith, creativity, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep appreciation for the blessings he shared with his family.

Raised in Knoxville, Joe attended Park City Lowery and Sequoyah Hills elementary schools, Tyson Junior High School, and West High School. Music was an important part of his early life. He played drums, clarinet, and bass clarinet, served as his high school’s drum major, and participated in All-State Band in 1956. At the University of Tennessee, he played tenor and snare drum in the Pride of the Southland Band for four years and founded the university’s first Army ROTC Drum and Bugle Corps. He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in transportation.

Joe served his country in the United States Army Reserve for 18 years. Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Army Intelligence.

With a talent for sales and an eye for opportunity, Joe enjoyed a varied and successful business career. He began at Post Sign Company, advancing from assistant office manager into sales. He later purchased Impact Outdoor and grew the business from 78 advertising displays to approximately 350 structures throughout East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. His vision and determination helped transform the company before its sale to Lamar Advertising in 1983.

Joe also spent more than a decade at WBIR-TV, selling advertising and producing television commercials. His work earned national recognition, including an American Advertising Federation ADDY Award in 1974 for a commercial promoting the Sheraton Gatlinburg Hotel.

He later brought that same energy to the boating industry as president of VIP Yachts. Working alongside his wife, Brenda, Joe helped build the company into a leading Bluewater yacht dealership and brokerage, selling hundreds of boats to customers across the United States and abroad. Their work was a true partnership: Joe handled much of the sales, while Brenda decorated and photographed boats, prepared advertising, and assisted with boat shows and deliveries.

Joe and Brenda were married on February 15, 1989. Their shared life and work were a source of gratitude, reflected in Joe’s words: “God has richly blessed us by allowing us to share our lives and successful careers together.”

His Christian faith guided both his life and his generosity. Over the years, Joe worshipped with several Knoxville congregations, joining Community Bible Church in 2004. He and Brenda supported the church through gifts that helped pay off its property mortgage and provided improvements to its sanctuary and grounds. Joe also supported Christian Academy of Knoxville through contributions for a new gymnasium, band uniforms and instruments, and passenger vans. Giving back was a meaningful expression of his gratitude to God.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Rogers King and Stella Mae Proffitt King; and grandson, Joseph King.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Proffitt Huber King; sister, Jane Valerie King; children, Linda Elaine King, Karen Elizabeth King, Joseph Henry King, and Kacey Lynn King; and grandchildren, Justin Moehn, Noah Moehn, Sarah Grace Moehn, Jennifer Moehn, and Corrine King.

Joe leaves a legacy of enterprise, music, service, and generosity, with lasting contributions to the community he called home.

A Graveside Service will be held at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919, on October 26, 2026, at 1:00 pm.