Joseph K Wong

Redding - In Loving Memory of Joe Wong, Affectionately called "Uncle Joe" by Many

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Wong, a cherished father, entrepreneur and business leader, who peacefully departed this life at home on July 7th, 2024.

Joe was an extraordinary individual who epitomized the American dream. As a boy in Hong Kong, he was inspired by library books about American businessmen like John D. Rockefeller and J. Paul Getty. In 1970, he was the first of his family to immigrate to the United States, where he achieved a business degree at Long Beach State University. He went from having $7 in his wallet, as a student, to later employing well over one hundred thousand families during his 40 years of doing business in California and Oregon. Many distinguished community members today have him to thank for their very first jobs. Driven by his sheer ambition, intelligence, and hard work ethic, he built a legacy from nothing that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

As a college student, he worked at a SoCal Burger King and dreamed of having his own franchised restaurant one day. When a Burger King location was offered to him in Redding, a town he had never heard of, he jumped at the opportunity. Joe went on to establish an empire, becoming a respected figure in not only Redding's restaurant community, but in its community at large. His keen intellect and sharp business acumen were matched only by his deep compassion and unwavering dedication to helping others.

Joe was a born leader and his ability to provide help and care touched the lives of many. During the Carr Fire in 2018, Joe sent his personal vehicle filled with burgers, fries, and water all around town, to provide for first responders. In 2020 during the Covid pandemic, when the economy was in shambles and 2/3 of California workers lost their jobs, he promised his 2400 employees that they would have jobs. He is also responsible for reuniting 600 homeless families through his contributions to the Good News Rescue Mission. Numerous individuals considered him a mentor and role model; many also regarded him as a second father.

But beyond the innumerable accolades, he was also known to be a goofball and had a playful, infectious sense of humor. As a child, he loved to build model cars and airplanes. This passion turned him into an avid car collector and accomplished race car driver; he won first place in several races. Joe always had a young spirit, and it was important to him that everyone around him had a good time.

As a father, Joe was loving and devoted, placing his family at the center of his world. As the ultimate manifester himself, he taught his children that anything was possible. He had an unbridled excitement for life and his energy was on par with his grandchildren. His family will always remember his wisdom, kindness, and the joy and laughter he brought into their lives.

Though we mourn the loss of such an extraordinary man, we celebrate the remarkable life he led and the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered for his generosity, his playful spirit, and his ability to make everyone feel at home.

Rest in peace, Joe. Your passion, optimism, and love of life and people will continue to inspire us all.