Leo Redell "Dell" King Jr.

Dell was born May 5, 1938. He passed into the loving arms of our Lord and Savoir Jesus on July 26, 2025, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. Dell was an only child. His parents, Leo Redell, Sr. and Alice Marie King and his grandson, Leo Redell King IV preceded him in death. He his survived by his loving family: wife, Nancy Jo King; and his children, Karen Shoopman (Allen), Leo Redell King III "Chuck" (Mary "Cissy") and Holly Shelly; his grandchildren, Jeff and Laura Shoopman, Ellery Naghtin (Andy) Lauren, Rachel and Anna Shelly; great-grandchildren, Eloise and Jack Naghtin; and he is also survived by his beloved dog, Nelly Jo. Dell was a member of Woodmont Hills Church for over 35 years. He was very active in Sunday school class and Wednesday night bible class. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1960, Dell began his career in the cattle industry. He worked seven years for cattle and hog processing plants in Nashville, and Clarksville, Tennessee. In 1968, Dell had the burning desire to start his own business and so the story of King Livestock Company began, a livestock buying firm in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. For several years he purchased and sold cattle and hogs. Over the years the industry evolved and changed and King Livestock Company, did as well. Dell's specialty became going to farms and ranches all over the southeast, working with the farmers to find places where they could get the best price for their cattle. Dell had a real love for people and always said,"It's not just about knowing the cattle, it's all about knowing the people." Dell's son, Chuck, was also very instrumental in making King Livestock Company one of the largest, cleanest, and best livestock buying firms in the country. After 50 years, in 2018, Dell and Nancy retired and Chuck and Cissy now carry the tradition forward. Dell was honored with many accomplishments and awards and was always willing to help in all aspects of the cattle industry. He was a Kentucky Colonel, President of Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, first to be inducted into the Kentucky Cattlemen's Hall of Fame, National Cattlemen's Beef Quality Marketer of the year, listed as 17th in the top 50 Cattle Industry leaders in the country, board member of Beef Quality Assurance program, and founding developer of Livestock Quality Assurance Transportation Guide, member of National Cattlemen's Association, Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, Alabama Cattlemen's Association, and Tennessee Cattlemen's Association. He was featured in many cattle industry magazines. Dell was an avid Kentucky Basketball fan, he bled "Blue" through and through. He and Nancy loved following the "CATS" and made many great memories going to all the games. Throughout his travels in the Southeast, he was able to witness to people about his faith in Jesus Christ. While he was humbled and thankful for his many awards and accomplishments the most important thing in his life was his family and his faith in Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor John Mark Hicks, Earl Lavender and Roger Weimer on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 12:00 noon (visitation 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon) at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Springfield, TN.