David Hamilton Knapp Sr.

David Hamilton Knapp, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at the age of 90.

A graveside service for Mr. Knapp will be held at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Born on May 15, 1935, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Stanley and Lucile Knapp, Dave moved with his family to Atlanta in 1949. Dave attended North Fulton High School, where he excelled as football player and began laying the foundation for a life filled with achievement, community, and deep family devotion.

On his 18th birthday, May 15, 1953, Dave married the love of his life, Rubye Minor Knapp "Laurie". They welcomed their son, David Hamilton Knapp, Jr., in 1954. Dave attended Emory University where he was a proud and spirited member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity-known as "the singing fraternity." Decades later, Dave could still be heard singing fraternity songs, a testament to the lasting friendships and fond memories he cherished.

Dave spent the majority of his career as a manufacturers' representative, building trusted relationships and earning respect in the business community. Later, he transitioned to a successful career as a stockbroker, where his integrity, dedication, and financial acumen helped guide many clients toward their goals.

Outside of work, Dave was fortunate to have traveled all over the world with his wife, Laurie. They sailed through the Virgin Islands, traveled to Europe and Dave was even able to play golf at the historic St. Andrews Links in Scotland. Dave and Laurie enjoyed 50 years of marriage before she passed away in 2003.

Faith and church were central to Dave's life. For many years, he and his family were members of Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church, where his brother-in-law served as the founding pastor and his wife was a beloved soloist. In later years, Dave worshiped at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church alongside his son's family, where he especially enjoyed hearing his son sing in the choir.

Dave was a long-time member of the Atlanta Yacht Club, where he served as Commodore for one year. Sailing was a great passion of his, and he especially enjoyed racing alongside his wife and son, a family team that once claimed the AYC Club Championship title.

He was also an inaugural member of the Braves 400 Club, joining in 1966 to show his support for Atlanta's baseball team. Dave remained a loyal Braves fan throughout his life. His dedication to community service was evident through his long-standing involvement with the Buckhead Rotary Club, where he built friendships and gave back to the community he loved.

Dave spent many cherished summers in St. Augustine, Florida, where he built lasting friendships, pursued business ventures, and loved spending time with friends and family at the beach and playing golf.

A true patron of the arts, Dave had a deep appreciation for opera and musical theatre-an enthusiasm he passed on to his granddaughter, with whom he shared countless performances and concerts. As a grandfather, Dave was ever-present-never missing his grandson's baseball games or his granddaughter's music performances. His support and pride in his grandchildren were unwavering. Dave's life was defined by his dedication to friends and family, many professional accomplishments and great sense of humor.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Lucile Knapp; his older sister, Mary Glen Taylor; and his wife of 50 years, Laurie Minor Knapp. He is survived by his sister, Cindy Marks; son David H. Knapp Jr. (Sheree); his grandson, David H. Knapp III (Rhemila); his granddaughter, Sarah Knapp Bonner (Josh); and three great-grandchildren, Brett, Blake, and Emery Bonner.

Flowers may be sent to Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060.