William Richard Knowles, Sr., 88, of Middleburg, FL passed away August 25, 2021. He was born April 26, 1933 in St. Cloud, FL to Virgil and A Z Knowles. He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and A Z Knowles; sisters, Lillian (Cecil) Yates and Gladys Matthews; and brothers, Lamar Knowles and Johnny Knowles. William is survived by his wife of 66 years, B. Benjeana Kaut Knowles; sons, William R. Knowles, Jr (Melanie) and Gary Michael Knowles; daughter-in-law, Kim Knowles; grandchildren, William Knowles III, Summer Riveria (Anthony), Jeramie, Amber Knowles, Gary M. Knowles, Jr. and Matthew Knowles (Alicia); great-grandchildren, Tyler, Megan and Braden Knowles, Kaleigh and Abby Riveria, and Christian Knowles.