Papaw Queen

KJ Queen’s eyes lit up and his tone of voice changed when I asked the Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie about “Papaw Queen” who’s name is in memory on the back of his jersey.

“My Papaw Queen and my Dad taught me everything about fishing,” said the young Queen. “He was a great fisherman. He won a lot back in his day. He was a great sight fisherman and he and my dad so important to my career.”

Papaw Queen passed away in December 2020 from complications due to Covid. Burke Mortuary, who handled the services for Papaw Queen, saw the impact of fishing and what Papaw Queen meant to KJ.

Soon after the funeral, they approached KJ about the opportunity to work with him as a sponsor as he began his Elite Series career.

“They’re probably my second most lucrative sponsor behind Queen Tackle, (the family tackle business run by Queen and his father). I’m extremely thankful for them and proud to have their support.”

With the support of Burke Mortuary and the Queen family, Papaw Queen will have KJ’s back for a long time.

Photo/Blog: Neil Paul