Michael Knisley

Michael Ralph Knisley, 76, passed away on November 14, 2022, in Round Rock, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 10 at Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas.
Mike was born in Wilmar, California, to Ralph Knisley and Carol Brunger on April 11, 1946. He had four brothers and four sisters, as well as a wonderful foster family, the Tinglesalls. He graduated from Pomona High School in 1964 and thereafter enlisted into the Navy. On November 18, 1966 in Burlington, Colorado, he married Judith Ann Meyer. Together they have 4 children. Truck driving and construction work kept him busy as he raised his young family in a house full of love and all things Rams, Broncos, Dodgers, Angels, Disneyland, and softball, especially fastpitch softball! Mike had one hell of an arm and was quite the stud on the ballfield, playing vigorously until a work injury cut his time short. In early retirement he found a new passion KARAOKE, and even became a "KJ" (Karaoke Jockey). He loved to entertain and bellow out songs for family and friends.
At the age of 55, Mike married Lorena Hutson on July 14, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. That same year they moved to Texas to start their life together. Mike and Lorena welcomed their time as one, with each supporting the other's endeavors. They expressed their love for each other through the little things in life.
Settling into retirement, Mike took up golfing at Forrest Creek, Star Ranch, and Terra Vista golf courses, making many new friends over the years. Proud of his veteran status, he would rarely be seen without sporting his Navy ball cap and appreciated the recognition for his service. Everywhere Mike went, he was larger than life, relentlessly joking with folks wearing rivalry hats or t-shirts to his favorite sports teams.
A true sports enthusiast, Mike's love for the Angels, Broncos, and USC Trojans was soon coupled with his adoption of a new favorite team - A&M. And an Aggie was born! Later he shared in the excitement when two of his grandchildren graduated from Texas A&M.
Mike's passion for traveling over the last 20 years took him to Alaska, New York, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Utah, New Mexico, South Padre Island in Texas and Disney World Florida. He cruised to the Caribbean several times, becoming the life of the ship for the crew and passengers. By the end of his last cruise, as he strolled into the common areas, everyone recognized him and cheerfully shouted out his beloved nickname "Big Mike,"' with most guests thinking he was the cruise director's grandpa because of the way she treated him.
He cherished spending time with his grandkids, whether chauffeuring them home after school and making a pit stop for ice cream or enjoying breakfast together at Cafe Java. He supported each of them and all their extra-curricular activities. His presence at dance recitals, softball games, volleyball games, football games, halftime shows, and even preschool Thanksgiving feasts was always the norm.
Mike had a giving heart, helping others endlessly. Always happy to pitch in and make airport runs for out of town guests, he was the first person to call for help because he never made anyone feel guilty or obligated. Mike loved shooting the breeze with folks over coffee about sports and politics and spent many hours with fellow veterans at the American Legion Post 447. While attending Fellowship church, he often sat for weekly services in their Café, listening and interacting with other parishioners.
Mike is preceded in death by his father Ralph Knisley and mother Carol Brunger and his brothers Owen and Paul Knisley.
Mike is survived by his wife Lorena Knisley; daughter April Watters; son Michael Knisley Jr; son Bobby Knisley and daughter-in-law Lili Knisley; daughter Windy Paul and son-in-law Ken Paul; stepson Ronald Paul and stepdaughter-in-law Sheree Paul; stepdaughter Stephanie Gomez and stepson-in-law Grant Gomez; stepson Matthew Paul and stepdaughter-in-law Nickole Paul; stepdaughter Tenille Bell and stepson-in-law Billy Bell; brothers Dennis Murray and Steve Shobe; sisters Robin Shobe, Piper Shobe, Rebecca Shobe, and Christine Shobe; granddaughters Jessi Watters, Jacquelline Villagran and Samantha Paul; grandsons Dylan McCollum, Darrin McCollum, and Kaeden Knisley; grandson Bryce Paul and granddaughter-in-law Caitlin Paul; granddaughter Sierra Paul; granddaughter Vicky Velasco; granddaughter Vanessa Riley and grandson-in-law Michael Riley; grandsons William Velasco and Raymond Velasco; granddaughter Brianna Paul; granddaughter Madison Renteria and grandson-in-law Rafael Renteria; granddaughter Bailey Paul; grandson Mitchell Paul; grandson Mason Paul; grandson Michael Paul and granddaughter-in-law Celina Paul; granddaughter Mary Bell; grandsons Travis Toms, Nathin Toms and Logan Bell; great-grandsons Watson and Liam Paul and great-granddaughter Vanity Toms.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.