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Jessie Knowles Obituary
Jessie Lewis "Chester" Knowles, 67, of Lake City, FL, died Thursday, June 2, 2011, at his home after a lengthy illness. Chester was born in Smithville, TN to the late Wilse and Charlie Elizabeth Summers Knowles. He had resided in Lake City for the past 28 years after moving here from Ocala, FL. While in Ocala, he was the manager of Roger Maris Distributing Company for 18 years and also worked with Kenny Wichen's and Maxie Maheffy Beer Distributor. In Lake City, he was the owner of Knowles Distributing Company for 10 years and Tri-County Snacks for 15 years and had been self-employed setting up mobile homes as Florida's Finest Mobile Homes Setup. Chester was a member of Ocala Scottish Rites, Ocala Masonic Lodge, Ocala Shrine Club, Lake City Elks Club and a member of Berea Baptist Church. He was an avid quail hunter (founder of Bob White Quail Hunting Club) and enjoyed fishing. He was devoted to his family.
Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years: Linda Knowles, Lake City, FL; three sons: Rodney Knowles (Christine), Rusty Knowles (Gina), both of Lake City and Scott Lasher (Cindy) of Citra, FL; one daughter: Rhonda Crews (M. Troy), Lake City, FL; one brother: Dick Knowles (Louise), Smithville, TN; eleven grandchildren: Dustin Crews, Kyla Larson, Jesse Knowles, Matthew Knowles, Taylor Crews, Shelbi Knowles, Shelby Jones, Brooklynn Crews, Carly Knowles, Tristan Knowles, and Austin Knowles; one great grandchild: Jaylen Wade. Numerous other relatives and good friends also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Sweat officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at the funeral home from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL (386-752-1954) is in charge of all arrangements. Please sign the guest register at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jessie Knowles
Kyla Larson
June 15, 2011
Grandma, Uncle Rusty, Uncle Rodney and Aunt Rhonda, I would like to say that Grandaddy is and will be truly missed. He was one great man and I was blessed to be a part of the knowles family. And it was an honor to birth the only great grandchild that Grandaddy loved so much. Jalen will learn of grandaddy as she gets older with funny stories that we all have. He was one to make you smile even if you encountered your worst day ever, i Love him and miss him sooo much, words could not explain. It is such a relief to know that he is watching over us and Jalen as she gets older and more wise. Much love to all of the family and friends... Grandaddy never met a stranger... ily. R.i.P. Grandaddy, we all love you and miss you bunches!! <3 x0x0
Ryan Cowan
June 11, 2011
Dear Aunt Linda and Family, Uncle Dude was alway my favorite Uncle. He will truely be missed and we love yall. May the lord be with yall through this time. We will always be here if you need anything!!!!
Love, Ryan, Shara, Baylie, Raylie, and Jaylie Cowan
AMELIA CANNON
June 8, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 7, 2011
Linda we are so sorry about Chester and we pray that you will take care of yourself.Chester was always a very special to us just did not get to see him very much.But I have never been so proud when the two of you accepted the Lord as your Savior,oh my goodness that was wonderful.May God Bless in the days ahead and just know I love you very much.Aunt Lethia Uncle L.A. and the whole Thompson clan
June 7, 2011
Dear Linda and family,
I have only known you all as family for a short time I am so sorry for your loss Dude as we knew him will be greatly missed our hearts, thought and prayers are with you all during this trying times, I guess God needed another angel to watch over all of us left here behind.
Your Loving Family,Melvin, Teresa and Karley Knowles
Smithville, Tn
George McKinney
June 7, 2011
Linda, Rodney, Rusty, Rhonda, I am sorrowed at the news of your loss, Chester was my friend for a very long time, his humor and witt will be long remembered and I know that he loved you all very much. George Mckinney and family, (Alachua Fl.)
George H. Hudson Jr.
June 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of need. I am thankful that I had the privilege to know Chester in this life.
The Woody's
June 7, 2011
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Gary & Toni Sweat
June 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God give yall peace in this time of need.
Tanya & Brian Buchner
June 7, 2011
Mrs. Linda,
Brian & I were sorry to hear the news. Our family sends our condolences to you & your family. If you need anything do not hesitate to call. Mr. Chester was a fine man and well respected in the community. It will be a great loss to us all. God Bless!!
Jim Mewborne
June 6, 2011
Linda, I sure am sorry to hear of Chesters passing. I met Chester years ago when I owned convenience stores in Anthony. I fondly recall the many trips to St. Petersburg to fish and party on the Miss Busch. Chester gave me my first bird dog and what a dog--the best I ever had. I sure hope there are bird dogs and quail in Heaven. I pray that God will comfort you and your family at this very difficult time.
Rhonda & Richard Carroll
June 6, 2011
Linda and family, we are so sorry to here about Chester, he was truly a fine man and will be missed by all who knew him. May God comfort you and you family in this time of sorrow, In Deepest Sympathy, Rhonda & Richard Carroll and all of us at Corbett's Mobile Home Supplies.
June 6, 2011
Rusty, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything please dont hesitate to ask. Love,Melonie Morris-Hammond
Ralph & Debbie Ming
June 6, 2011
Linda & Family, Ralph & I are so sorry . Chester was a great person & true friend. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.
All our prayers are with you & yours.
Love, Ralph & Debbie Ming
Carlene McDuffie
June 6, 2011
Rhonda, I know how much you love your Daddy and I know you lost is a great one. Please know I'm thinking of you and your family at this time. Love Carlene
Alton Corbett
June 5, 2011
Linda,and Family..Mary and I are so sorry to hear about Chester's passing. We have a lots of Fond Memories of Chester and you and the kids. We're sorry we havn't seen you'll that much since we retired from Publix and Moved to the State Line,But know we are Praying and thinking of you'll through these difficult times.
God Bless
Alton & Mary Corbett
June 5, 2011
Linda and Family,
Buddy and I would like to express our extreme sorrow and deepest sympathy at Chester's passing. He was a wonderful man and trusted friend over the many, many years we have known him. Please know that he is in a better place. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!
Buddy & Martha Dyals
Callie Pound
June 5, 2011
Linda,Rodney,Rusty,and Rhonda.
I am so very sorry to learn of your husband and daddys passing. Chester was "one of a kind" and I know he will be missed by his family and all that knew and loved him.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go thru this sad and difficult time.
Callie Pound
June 4, 2011
Mrs.Knowles, Rodney,Rusty and Rhonda. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Knowles was a great person and will be missed greatly. He gave everyone lots of smiles. He was great
Edward Kimbril
June 4, 2011
Linda, Rodney, Rusty, Rhonda,grandchildren and great grandchild.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. We had several good times when living in Ocala. Having talked with Chester
just recently I know he is in a better place. No pain.
Glen & Linda Stewart
Crystal River, Fl,
The Staff of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
June 4, 2011
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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