Horace Bayne Knox

Mr. Horace Bayne (Mutt) Knox, age 88, owner of Knox Furniture Store, passed away at Whitehall Nursing Home on June 21, 2008. Mutt was born March 11, 1920, in Houston County, to the late Leo and Dovie Arnold Knox. His school years were spent in Crockett, Texas, where he graduated from Crockett High School in 1938. He proudly attended Baylor University, graduating in 1942 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Mutt worked at Waco Hall on the Baylor Campus to pay for his education. Mutt served in the United States Marine Corps from 1942-1945, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II and earning the rank of First Lieutenant. He participated in operations associated with the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Battle of Cape Gloucester, the Battle of Peleliu, and the Battle of Okinawa. He was awarded both the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for heroism, and received numerous other personal and campaign medals. He continued to serve as a Captain in the Marine Corps Reserve following World War II, and his time of service was a source of pride to him. When he shared stories of his time in the service with his son and grandsons, they were able to see the man that few other people knew. In 1945, Mutt returned to his hometown of Crockett and began working for his father, Leo, at Knox Furniture. He would later became the manager and sole owner. During his days at Baylor University and during the war years, he knew he would return to Crockett to make his home. Mutt was proud to tell people that he had been Òright here at Knox Furniture for over 60 years.Ó If Mutt Knox had a personal motto, it would have been ÒSalesmanship and Service.Ó The longtime owner of Knox Furniture loved selling and personally knowing his customers. His service to the community was on-going. Mutt felt that the expansion and beautification of his store mirrored his efforts to stimulate economic development in Crockett. He led a very fulfilled life running the business that he loved, serving the community, and spending time with his many friends playing golf. His love of this game has been passed down several generations. His grandchildren gathered many great memories behind the wheel of ÔBapawÕs golf cart.Õ Mutt was also a hunter and enjoyed his time on the deer lease with his friends. Their ÒcampÓ was a source of great enjoyment. He taught his children and grandchildren how to hunt, fish and enjoy nature and conservation of wildlife and natural resources. On June 8, 1947, he was united in marriage to Dorothy ÒDottieÓ Jane Eubank in Dallas. His marriage to Dottie set the foundation for all of his successes. Their closeness during their 61 years of marriage was obvious to everyone. He was quoted as saying Òshe is an important factor in business and with the children.Ó He was always quick to praise her talents and her individual service to the community. He was proud of their strong marriage and the fact that all decisions (personal, business, or community) were made together. He enjoyed travel and was very proud of having visited all 50 states and many countries. ÒForeignersÓ was the term he often used for anyone outside of the great State of Texas. His road trip to Alaska was an adventure that he talked about for years. Mutt had a great sense of humor and best of all could laugh at himself. He never met anyone that he didnÕt consider a friend and someone to get to know. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Crockett, where he raised his family and was a member of the A.S. Lee MenÕs Bible Class. He was the first president of the Crockett JayceeÕs and organized the building of the park swimming pool, promoted and ran the FiddlerÕs Festival in Crockett, and helped plan the first rodeo that is now hosted by the Crockett Lions Club. He was also President of the Lions Club, serving the club in all areas of stewardship to the community. He was President and a member of the Crockett School Board for many years, taking an active role in both the academic and athletic life of the school. Mutt served as President of the Houston County Economic Development Foundation that was instrumental in securing the Dolly Madison Furniture Factory and other industries. He served as the director of two local banks. He was a Life Member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners International Fraternity. He took pride in being a member of the Baylor Bear Foundation and watching members of his family attend the University he loved so much. Mutt had a love for his family, his work and especially for Crockett. He will always be remembered as an honorable and loving Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother and Friend. H.B. (Mutt) Knox is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his son, Larry Ray Knox and wife, Suzan, of Crockett; his daughters, Barbara Knox Buholz, of Crockett, and Debbie Knox Barton and husband Wes, of Ruston, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, Trisha Knox Woodford, husband Heath; Bradley L. Knox, wife Jordan of Crockett; Mark A. Buholz, wife Stephanie, of Dallas; Kathryn B. Dennison, husband Gabe, of Austin; Jake W. Barton, wife Karen, of Cypress; Kevin W. Barton, of Nacogdoches; and Luke W. Barton, of Huntsville. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Jack C. Woodford, Tori Woodford, and Cordell L. Knox, all of Crockett. He is survived by sisters, Peggy K. Mattox and husband Bob, of Crockett; Alma K. Taylor of Abilene, brother-in-law, Murphy George, of Lufkin, and Aunt Minnie Arnold Hester of Crockett. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many longtime friends. He was preceded in death by an infant child, his parents, Leo and Dovie Knox; one brother, Willie Hayne Knox, and sisters, Doris Faye Knox, Dorothy Knox Hill Barker and Bettye Knox George. Funeral services for Horace Bayne (Mutt) Knox were held at 2:30 p.m., June 23, 2008, at First Baptist Church in Crockett with Rev. Jeff Moran, of Houston, and Rev. Reggie Gregory officiating. Interment followed in Evergreen Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers were Bradley L. Knox, Mark A. Buholz, Jake W. Barton, Kevin W. Barton, Luke W. Barton, Gabe Dennison and Heath Woodford. Honorary pallbearers were Mr. Morris (Boog) Easterly and Mr. Ronald Dowell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lone Star Chapter, P.O. Box 816148, Dallas, Texas 75381-6148 or to the charity of choice. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home, Crockett, directors.