Joseph Russell Sliker passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22 with his loving wife, Melody, by his side. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and the wider Lowcountry community that is forever changed by his presence.

Joe was born June 10th 1945 in Jacksonville, Florida to Carolyn Austin (Floyd) and Glenn Alfred Sliker. He was a war time baby with his father and uncle both serving in the Pacific theater. After the war, Joe and his family moved to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina when Coleman Boulevard was still a dirt road and Patriots Point was known less for its ships and more for its hunting ground where kids roamed with their sling shots and BB guns.

Hunting and fishing were Joe’s lifelong passions which he learned from his grandfather, “Papa”, and the other men in the family. He was an avid outdoorsman from fishing in Colorado to duck hunting in Canada. His pursuits provided much enjoyment for the dinner table and enriched well-timed stories that were told with a sparkle in his eye, and occasionally embellished (though he would insist otherwise).

A gifted athlete, Joe attended Moultrie High School where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He won the State Decathlon three consecutive years and earned All-American honors. He began his collegiate football career at Kilgore Junior College in Texas, where he and his teammates, his "band of brothers," won a national championship. After graduating from the University of Tampa, he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as a wide receiver, continuing a lifelong love of the game. In later years, that same competitive spirit carried over on the golf course, winning the 1997 Pro-Am World Cup with his fellow friend Mark Cumming with equal enthusiasm.

Returning to Charleston, Joe and Billy Swails started one of the first clothing stores in Mt Pleasant as young entrepreneurs out of college. Swails & Sliker Haberdashery became known for its home town charm where “the customer was always right”. Hard work and personalities that people enjoyed made small town Mt Pleasant grow into what it is today. Joe had a natural gift of making people feel welcome, valued, and seen. This was the foundation of everything he built.

Joe started his life as a restauranteur at Don Quixote’s in 1977. Soon after, he was the first manager at RB’s Seafood on Shem Creek. In 1982, he co-founded 82 Queen with his partners Harvey Poole and Steve Kish. More than a place to dine, the restaurant become a beloved establishment in the city where thousands of employees that were employed through 82 Queen are now the leaders of many businesses in Charleston and elsewhere. Under his leadership, it earned numerous awards and accolades, more importantly, 82 Queen became a place where people gathered, celebrated, and returned time and time again to enjoy a beautiful ambience along with a bowl of she-crab soup, shrimp and grits or crab cakes.

Over the years Joe owned and operated several ventures, including Don Quixote’s, 102 North Market, Alexander Station, 82 Queen Café & Deli, 82 Queen Pawleys, and Swails & Sliker Haberdashery. His contributions to the hospitality industry were recognized with numerous honors, including the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, the Charleston Area CVB Pineapple Award, and service as past president and board member of the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association.

Joe was also committed to giving back to the community that supported him. He was a founding leader behind the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Taste of Charleston, and originator of Charleston Jazz Festival. He curated many events that continue to raise funds for local nonprofits, including the Ronald McDonald House. He worked alongside fellow community leaders, including Willie McRae of Boone Hall Plantation and commissioned murals, collaborated with John Doyle and the local arts to support organizations like MUSC and others across the region.

Above all, Joe built a life rich in relationships. He was blessed with four loving children: Ansley Marie Sliker of Mount Pleasant, Georgia Rhett Sliker of Arcata, California, Austin Joseph Sliker of Charleston, and Christopher Russell Sliker; and one grandson, Maliek Fitts Gagliardi.

He is survived by his wife, Melody Sliker, the great love of his life, whom he met in the earliest days of his restaurant career. Their life together was filled with hunting, fishing, crabbing, laughter, resilience, and a deep, enduring partnership that anchored everything he did.

He leaves behind a wide circle of dear friends, a full dinner table, bigger hearts, and a Charleston that is better for having had him in it.

To say he fought the good fight is an understatement. Joe was determined to remain in the place he loved most: at home, in his favorite chair, with his dogs, watching the birds, facing the flowing tides of the Stono River, surrounded by those who loved him. He would wake up with sunrise on the river and end his days with moonlight crosses glistening on the still night waters. He was larger than life, a big star that expanded everything he touched. He was a grounded force and found deep, steady joy in the wildlife that surrounded him. May his legacy continue to thrive and inspire many.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, Hospice caregivers and the staff at Roper Hospital for their loving care and support.

The funeral service will be held at the J. Henry Stuhr Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, on Tuesday, April 28 at 10am followed by interment in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. Guests are welcome to wear cheerful attire, reflecting Joe’s love of the water, nature, sunshine and fashion.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach or Lowcountry Food Bank.

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