Originally of Jasper,AL passed away on Thursday due to an extended illness. He attended Walker County High School where he was All County in football in 1955. Was a miner for 6 years at Gorgas Mines and worked in the Potash mines of Carlsbad, NM for 7 years. He served as local union president and was promoted to a staff position with the United Stoneworkers. After the Stoneworkers merger with the United Steelworkers, Joe served as staff representative and later Director for District 35 (Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky) and District 9 (Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and the Virgin Islands.)
After his retirement from the Steelworkers, Joe was elected the first mayor of Lakeview, Alabama in 1997. Joe loved to fish, golf, play blackjack, Alabama football and spending time with his family. He cherished the many memories made with friends all over the country through the steelworkers and his close friends at the Bessemer Kidney Center.
Joe was preceded in death by his father Lester Kiker and mother Jettie Kiker of Jasper. He will be missed dearly by his loving wife of 45 years, Sue Whalen Kiker of Haleyville, Al, his sister Sarah Kiker Boyd, and brother Ronald Lee Kiker (and wife Dot), four children Rick Kiker (and wife Debbie) of Atlanta, Vicki Kiker Courrier (and husband Ernie) of Williamsburg, Va, Cathy Kiker Jansen (and husband Rick) of Columbia, SC and Keith Kiker (and his wife Vickie) of Kingsport, TN. He will forever be known as "Coach Kiker" to the hundreds of kids he coached in football and baseball in Burnt Chimney, VA, "Uncle Joe" to multiple nieces and nephews and "Paw Paw" to 11 adoring grandchildren. The family would like to thank the nurses of Bessemer Kidney Center-especially an Angel named "Antres" and the many friends and neighbors for their kindness and support during these tough days past and ahead. A memorial service will be held May 13, 2006 at 6:30 pm at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5:00 till 6:30 pm the same day. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bessemer Kidney Center (205) 424-3757.