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Thomas Knowles Obituary
He was a graduate of South Point High School in Belmont, N.C. and Belmont Abbey College. He served in the Army National Guard. Tom was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Belmont, N.C. where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Stephen Minister, and on various committees. He loved his family, especially when his three grandchildren called him Pop. He loved the beach, to play golf, to work in the yard, to grow tomatoes, listen to the "Beatles", play his guitar and to tell a good joke. Tom worked in medical sales until retirement.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years, Ernestene White Knowles; his children, Wesley Thomas (Heidi) Knowles, Erin Knowles (Will) Nixon. Tom is survived by his three precious grandchildren who were the love of his life, Wesley Thomas Knowles Jr., Harper Lanning Knowles, and David Reid Nixon. A niece Katie Knowles (Ian) Montalto and many cousins.
A special thank you to the staff of Gaston Hospice (Robin Johnson House), Lincoln County Hospice and Stanley Total Living Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to; Robin Johnson House, c/o Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054, First Presbyterian Church (102 S. Central Ave., Belmont, NC 28012), and Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Belmont, North Carolina. The family will receive friends after the service.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Knowles family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Knowles
Chris and Connie Rhyne Atkins
January 25, 2020
Dearest Ernestine and family,
We were so deeply sorrowful at the loss of Tommy. He always treated everyone the same and encouraged people. It was never about himself, but always about someone else. Maybe that's why he was sent here. We could learn a lot from Tommy. He is so much better off now. May God bless his family as they adjust to life without Tommy.
With our greatest sympathy,
Glenda McCumbee
January 24, 2020
Dear Ernestene and family,
Deepest condolences for your loss. Am holding you in prayers for comfort and peace.
Wanda Starnes
January 23, 2020
Sending our love to Ernestine and family. Tommy was a wonderful friend in school and such a gentleman thru out life. He was always a joy to be around. He and his best bud Jolliff are again back together, walking streets of gold. Praying for you and yours during this time.
Wanda & Mike Starnes
Ron McLean
January 21, 2020
Dear Ernestene,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Toms passing. Have thought of you both often and had hoped to reconnect at our class reunion but, unfortunately, that will not be possible now. I will always remember Toms smile, his outgoing personality and, even in high school, his deep love and affection for you. He will be deeply missed by all who were ever blessed to know him. My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. Ron McLean
MICHELLE GREEN
January 21, 2020
Ernestene,
Tom was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. I haven't seen ya'll in a while, but you are always in my prayers. May God give you peace at this time. Your old insurance agent. Michelle Green
Bonnie Stowe
January 19, 2020
May you find much peace in your memories of Tommy... He and I went to HighSchool together... Sending lots of love and many prayers to his family...
John Carlton
January 19, 2020
You will be missed. REST IN PEACE.
Lynda,John and John, Jr. Carlton
January 19, 2020
You were a special guy and will be missed by all.
January 18, 2020
Dear Ernestene,
May God keep you and your family close. We have many old but golden memories to treasure. Our sincere condolences, David and Margaret Abernethy
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Funeral services provided by:
McLean Funeral Directors - Belmont515 North Central Avenue, Belmont, NC 28012
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