William Harold Knowles

William Harold Knowles

February 12, 1940 – January 16, 2020

W. Harold Knowles made his entry on earth 02/12/1940 and entered Heaven’s Gates on 01/16/2020 at the age of 79. He was born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville where he also died.

He was preceded in death by parents, W. LeRoy and Louise Knowles and his only sibling, Robert Wayne Knowles.

Harold spent his life in Clay County and graduated from Clay High School where he excelled as quarterback on the football team. He was excited to learn that he was offered a football Scholarship to Auburn University. His Time there was cut short when his dad died suddenly at age 45.

Moving back home, he took care of their cattle business. He truly was an old-time cowboy parting cows, marking and branding and roping. He even took time to do a little hog hunting for wild boars on his and adjoining pastures.

During this time, he married Carolyne Ivey Knowles and together they had three children: Debbie, Mike and Kim. Adding to his career as cattle farmer, he worked in Property and Casualty Insurance with Florida Farm Bureau. Years later he had his own Insurance Agency where he provided coverage for individuals as well as large Business Owners.

He was active in politics, helping carry on the tradition of helping his mother and father’s run for School Board Member and County Commissioner, as well as other contenders for various offices. Serving on the Clay Memorial Hospital Board provided an additional opportunity for him.

Before retirement, he and Carolyne entered the mortgage business and were able to help many.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyne Ivey Knowles and their three children; Debbie Buchanan (Paul Tyler), Mike Knowles (Trena), Kim Thomas (Steve), They blessed Harold and Carolyne with 7 grandchildren; Stephen Knowles (Kristiana), Charles Thomas, Amanda Freeman (Joe), Taylor Knowles (Jenny), Carolyne Stevens (Matt), Katie Morrel (Andrew), Dalton Knowles.

He also had at his death, 8 great grands, Garrick, Alex, Grayson, Claire, Ezra, Theodore, Brooklyn, and Cadence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 22, 2020 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Rev. James Peoples officiating. The family will receive friends in the chapel from 10:00 am until service time. A private family interment will be held later.

In Lieu of Flowers the family suggest a donation to: Dementia Study at Mayo Hospital. https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC Select “other” and enter “Dementia Study”.