Bill Knowles

William “Bill” Knowles, 72, of Green Cove Springs, Florida passed away Saturday, June 2, 2018 in Orange Park, Florida. He was born to Buck and Frances Knowles on February 22, 1946 in Green Cove Springs, Florida and graduated from Clay High School in 1964. Bill graduated from St. Johns River Junior College in Palatka, Florida; Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas; and the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, where he received a Master’s degree in education. Bill dedicated 38 years of his life working for Duval County Public Schools and the Clay County School District, where he was principal at Lakeside Middle School and Assistant Principal at S. Bryan Jennings Elementary and Charles E. Bennett Elementary. Bill retired as Vice Principal from Clay High School in 2007. Bill was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and enjoyed many hunting trips with his brother-in-law and hunting partner, Fate Moody. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling the United States with his wife, Frances. Bill will be remembered for his infectious smile and being a loving husband, father, and educator who touched the lives of countless individuals.

Preceded in death by his father and mother, Buck and Frances B. Knowles; sisters, Betty Hoffman and Charlotte Lane; nephew, Stephen Hoffman; and niece, Karen Myers.

Bill is survived by his wife of 31 years, Frances M. Knowles of Green Cove Springs; son, Chad Williams (Cheree) of Green Cove Springs; daughters, Shana Jundt (Mike) of Green Cove Springs and Luetta Graham (Charley) of Neptune Beach; brother, Harold Knowles (Jewel), his childhood friend, Larry Smith (Bonnie); grandchildren, Justin, Taylor, Austin, Harlie, and Willa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 am on Saturday, June 9, 2018 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. The Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with the Reverend Jim Snell officiating. The interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven Hospice, 745 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park, Florida, in memory of Bill Knowles.