Paul Thomas King — husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, coach, race director, music lover, and master of making everyone feel like family — passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at the age of 77 in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 10, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, Paul was a lifelong learner and tireless advocate for a better world. His passion for justice and equality began as a young man, earning his Master’s in Public Administration from Florida State University, where he dove headfirst into activism for civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental causes. In the 1990s, he returned to school to earn an Education Specialist degree in school psychology from The Citadel, driven by a deep commitment to helping others. Paul served as a child psychologist in the public school system, while also running his own event company- Red Wolf Productions. The events Paul produced were often tributes or benefits for causes he envisioned would make the world a better place.
But to know Paul was to know far more than his résumé. He was a man devoted to his family above all else; who embodied fearless joy, cultivated deep connections, and gave boundless love. He was the kind of person who would strike up conversations with strangers that became lifelong friendships and was able to connect with people in a way that created community. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was empathic by nature; Paul was a true friend, community man and devoted father. He wasn’t simply a supportive father: he was the middle school basketball and football coach, swim team president and head of the carpool caravan — in his classic, yellow VW van with the license plate that read “PHISH”. To know Paul, was to love Paul.
An accomplished athlete, collegiate basketball and football player, surfer, Paul competed in two national triathlon championships, hundreds of road races, and more than a few intense basketball pickup games turned senior league 3-on-3 veteran. In 1991, he and Kathleen founded the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series and directed it for 25 years, remembered not just for his organizational skill but for his legendary race-day monologues and ability to make every participant — from first-timers to pros — feel welcome.
Paul was well traveled and blended his love of nature, culture, and adventure in many epic trips around the country and world. There were certain places that Paul was connected to in special ways- The Abacos, Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, The Grand Canyon, and Linville Gorge, NC. Always planning his next adventure, Paul climbed countless peaks, hiked Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon in a single day at age 68, camped in the snow by himself in the mountains… many times (for fun), explored national parks and tracked down his favorite artist for a show at a new venue.
Music was the heartbeat of Paul’s life. His love for it was encyclopedic and infectious, he took great pride in DJ skills; always playing the perfect music to match every moment. He found peace in melodies, purpose in lyrics, and community in the shared joy of live performance.
Paul’s generosity showed up in big and small ways — organizing neighborhood luminary nights, showing up for friends in times of loss, mowing a neighbor’s lawn without telling them, or leading relief efforts after natural disasters near and far. He believed that kindness and compassion would make the world a better place, and that is what Paul will be remembered for.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Smeaton King; his children, Kori King of Ormond Beach, Florida, Matt King of Astoria, New York, Amelia King Scott (Cody Scott) of Mt. Pleasant, and Skylar King of Charleston; and his grandson, Anderson King Scott (2).
Paul’s life was full — of music and movement, activism and athletics, connections and community — but what defined him most was how deeply and wholeheartedly he lived and loved.
A memorial service will be held on September 20th at 2:00 PM at The Unitarian Church of Charleston. The King family invites you to wear something colorful, share your favorite Pablo story, and celebrate a life very well lived. In honor of Paul, turn the volume up on a song that makes you feel alive and don’t be afraid to dance.