Kenneth Antonio Shoats Jr.

Kenneth A. (TJ) (Slugger) Shoats Jr., age 32, of Louisville, KY passed away Friday, July 15, 2022. Kenneth (TJ) was born November 25, 1989 and was preceded in death by his brother Trevor Shoats, Camden McCroskey, loving great Aunt and caregiver, Faye Simpson.
Kenneth (TJ) was a graduate of Fern Creek High School and attended Jefferson County Community College. He was a Licensed Optometry Technician and worked in various Eye Care Offices in Louisville. He was Owner and Head Boxing Coach of Champ Camp Boxing Gym and owner of OptiCouture, web-based fashion eyewear solutions.
After Winning the Tri-State and Indiana Golden gloves at 165Lbs and 178Lbs with a record of 36-3 Kenneth "Slugger" Shoats gave back to the community by teaching adult and youth boxing classes with the support of 'Coach Carter'. Kenneth, also known as 'Boxing Yogi' had a deep love for yoga and was a yoga instructor since 2018. He actively trained and assisted his son Karson by teaching him boxing skills to further his advancement at the Jr. Olympics tryouts held in Texas. Members attending his gym were pushed to achieve their physical goals through commitment, endurance and accountability, the same expectations he imposed of his self.
TJ was also the 2017 recipient of the Service for Peace-Louisville Metro Sports Scholarship Fund. He did much to support his community's agenda to raise awareness of physical fitness by conducting televised yoga classes on the Great Lawn. His accomplishments were many and he contributed his talent by helping others in their business ventures. By joining a young startup company, Storywood Bowties, his desire to be an entrepreneur was heightened.
His greatest accomplishment however was being a father. Kenneth (TJ) was devoted to his son Karson from the time he was born. Karson was his DaDa's heart. They shared so many wonderful times together. TJ was ever present at soccer, football, boxing, swimming, baseball and basketball games. They would ride their bikes together, go skating, running, fly kites and increased their stamina by biking and running across the big bridge. His workout ethics were engrained in him. TJ loved his family. He was bright and fun to be around. TJ was also a spiritual person. Conversations and visits with his Nana were routine for him because he could always count on her for truth and guidance. If you needed help, TJ was there to lend a hand. He loved working in the yard. TJ was dearly loved and will be truly missed by his family, friends and those who had the opportunity to know him.
Kenneth (TJ) is survived by his son, Karson Shoats; Father: Kenneth (Tony) Shoats Sr./fiance' Amanda; Mother: Katherine (Jackie) McCroskey; Joshua (Maite Proenza) and Miamor Shoats (his beautiful niece); Grandparents: Delores (Ralph Sr, Jeffries); Joseph Sr. (Carol) Shoats; James (Nancy) Plummer; Family: Joseph Jr. (Tippy) Shoats; Takemma (Jade) Shoats; James Plummer Jr.; Ralph Jr. (Kacey), Monique, Damon and Joi Jeffries; Ronald and Ronnie Robinson; Patrick (Amber) Moore; family members, aunts, uncles and cousins. Also, Kathryn Shoats; and Katy Reynerson, friends, acquaintances and associates.
Visitation will be at Owen Funeral Home – Jeffersontown, 9318 Taylorsville Road on Saturday, July 23 beginning at 12:30pm – 4:00pm with a Service to follow.
As you reflect on Kenneth (TJ's) life, please take a moment to post a remembrance for the family on Owen Funeral Home-J'Town webpage for the family.