Obituary of Robert Melvin Knowles

Robert Melvin Knowles,73, Beloved Brother, Husband, Father and Grandpa of Soddy Daisy, TN passed away on Friday, January 27, 2017 at his home. Robert was born August 23, 1943 in Quincy, IL, a son of Marshall Monroe and Jessie Leona Wright Knowles. He married Mavis Rae Cantrell on December 8, 1967 in Quincy. She survives in Soddy-Daisy, TN. Robert was a beloved father and grandfather whose priority for his family and grandchildren surpassed all other activities. He joined the US Navy at 17 and served 7 years where he learned the trade of welding. Later in life, he worked very hard and became an electrician. He was a member of the IBEW Local 175 where he was a recruiter and also taught welding. Robert was an excellent teacher. He maintained an unsurpassed work ethic. In addition to his wife Mavis, he is also survived by a daughter Kelly Knowles (Kevin Bess) of Smyrna TN, son, Kerry Knowles of Soddy Daisy, mother of grandchildren (Deanna Newsome) grandchildren: Alex Hickman (Cody), Robert “Bobby” Knowles, Brooke Knowles and Erin Knowles, all of Soddy Daisy TN; Tiffany Bess of Murfreesboro, TN; Two brothers : Raymond Knowles (Mary) of Lacoste, Texas and John Knowles of Quincy, IL; four sisters, Mildred "Shorty"Lovelace of Rossville, GA., Norma Cook (Warren) of Mendon, IL, Sandy Dailing (Ron) and Imy Knowles, all of Quincy; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James Knowles; sisters, Marilyn Huner, Mary Mendenhall, Chrystal Knowles and Alice Knowles. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in Chattanooga National Cemetery. The United States Navy will provide military honors. The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM on Tuesday at Legacy Funeral Home. Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy-Daisy (423) 843-2525 Share your memories, stories and photos at www.legacyfuneralhome.com.