Joe Stanton Prince, a proud member of the Kashmere High School Class of 1967, exemplifies the discipline, resilience, and competitive excellence cultivated within the school’s legendary athletic tradition.
Growing up with several older brothers and working from an early age, Joe learned that success required effort, focus, and drive. These qualities became the foundation of his athletic journey at Kashmere Gardens High School, where he competed in football and track and earned a reputation for his strong work ethic, determination, and refusal to be outworked. His 1967 team close out the historically PVIL as the end of segregation merge Kashmere into the UIL. In that close out season KG won the city championship before losing in the quarter-finals to Beaumont Hebert and finish with an 8-1-2 record.
Football became a source of structure, stability, and pride. The Kashmere Gardens sports program shaped Joe into a leader—teaching him accountability, teamwork, and how to push forward in the face of challenges. The lessons he learned on the field stayed with him throughout his life, guiding his decisions and strengthening his character.
That passion for learning led Joe to attend two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Texas Southern University and later Prairie View A&M University, where he pledged Crescendo and sang in the University Choir. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Air Force before returning to Houston to build his career. Joe worked in grocery and manufacturing before stepping into entrepreneurship, opening a corner grocery store in Oakland, California and later collaborating with his brothers on several business ventures, including international opportunities in Africa.
In 1990, Joe founded PPU Packaging in East Texas, growing the company steadily and expanding operations into multiple states after securing major corporate partnerships. His business success reflected the same perseverance, vision, and integrity that defined his early years.
In 1987, Joe married LaWyanda Miller, and together they continued to build a strong family grounded in faith, commitment, and perseverance. Joe is the proud father of four children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. His leadership, humility, and dedication continue to influence his family and community.
Today, we honor Joe Stanton Prince for his remarkable service, accomplishments, and the enduring legacy he built—one shaped by the values, discipline, and excellence first forged at Kashmere Gardens High School.
