Michael Ernest Knox

Michael Ernest "Mike" Knox June 13, 1954 - March 2, 2010 TALLAHASSEE, FL— Michael Ernest (Mike) Knox, born June 13, 1954 in Columbus, GA, went to be with his Lord on March 2, 2010 in Tallahassee, FL. Mike was first and foremost a proud, devoted father that committed himself to instilling a love of all things competitive in each of his children. Mike contributed countless hours volunteering as a coach for youth soccer, wrestling and golf. Several school booster clubs and Fellowship of Christian Athlete chapters were the beneficiary of Mike's exceptional fundraising talent. He was an accomplished golfer throughout his life, as a member of the Georgia High School State Championship team for Columbus High and winning numerous amateur golf titles. Mike had a mathematical mind and found the game of billiards to be an opportunity to use his understanding of mathematical principles to his competitive advantage. He was the founder of TAPP, a Tallahassee area pool league that provided a competitive opportunity for others to share in his love of billiards. Mike took a special interest in underprivileged youth, serving as a mentor / father figure to several young men, encouraging them in their pursuit of higher education and professional careers. Mike was gifted in his ability to relate to people from all walks of life, which served him well in both the business world and volunteer arena. He was as convincing in his appeal to a college wrestling President considering establishing a wrestling program as he was to a customer considering a purchase. Mike was a self made man who valued hard work and took immense pride in being a good provider for his family. His natural gift of salesmanship served him well throughout his career whether it was sporting goods, shoes or finally automobiles. Early in his career he was recognized by the Kinney Shoe Corporation as a rising star when they made him the first Rookie Manager in the company's history to be entrusted with opening a new mall store. He broke many national sales records for Kinney's both in Texas and in Georgia. His long successful career in the automotive business began in sales, rapidly moving through the ranks as business-finance manager, new and used car sales manager and eventually acquiring his own Isuzu dealership. His achievements were repeatedly rewarded in national sales contests with trips to several points around the globe. Mike was an active contributor to his community, was a graduate of Leadership Worth County, supporter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and member of Unity Baptist Church, where he was a volunteer in the Faith Outreach program. Mike was a devoted son, loyal brother, loving father and a friend to many. He is survived by his children Niki and Will Knox of Marietta, GA, Joey Knox of Chattanooga, TN, his mother and stepfather Celeste and Johnny Walker, brothers and sister-in-laws Larry and Nancy Knox and Kenny and Karen Knox, all of Tallahassee, FL, a host of nieces and nephews, several cousins and longtime friends Victor Gregory, Sherrill Jones and Susan Knox Cremering. He was preceded in death by his father Adie Ross Knox, Sr., his brother Adie Ross Knox, Jr., his grandparents Joseph and Ruby Blankenship and Luther and Minnie Knox. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 6th at Park Hill Cemetery in Columbus, GA at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service at 583 Padgett Rd, Senoia, GA. The family has established the Mike Knox Memorial FCA Wrestling Camp Scholarship Fund. Information on donating to the fund can be found at www.fcawrestlinggeorgia.org Guests may sign the online register at www.clarkfuneral.com.