Bruce Frederick Knighten

Bruce Frederick Knighten obituary

Bruce Frederick Knighten

Upcoming Events

Apr

4

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.

1401 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.

Bruce Knighten Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Services - West Asheville on Mar. 30, 2026.
Bruce Frederick Knighten, 82, passed peacefully at home and surrounded by his family, on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Born to the late Marvin and Lola Knighten. Bruce is also preceded in death by his six siblings, Marvin "Bernard" Knighten; Gary Knighten; Laura Reynolds; Cybil Capps; Carol Knighten; Gerald Knighten, and granddaughter Gracie Fowler.

Bruce was a giving and caring man, helping others whenever possible. It didn't matter if you were a friend or stranger, Bruce would show-up for you. He was dedicated to his work in landscaping and took great joy in his John Deere tractor and triple-decker PB & J's. Bruce would never think to leave the house without his suspenders, ballcap, shorts, socks, sandals, and Redman Tobacco. He was an all-time fan of westerns and wore his John Wayne coat proudly. He was strong, determined, and sometimes strict but also had a heart full of kindness and compassion. Along with his human family and friends, Bruce loved his animal companions, Blue, B.J., Bella, Levi, and Tank.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Alice Knighten; daughters Annie Wallen (Donald), Shelia Fowler, and Karen Hawk (Donnie); grandchildren, Daniel Wallen, Cody Wallen, Kristie Wallen (Travis Corcoran), Kayla Dillman (Ryan), and Tanya Goins (Cody); and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Corcoran, Eleanor Corcoran, Charity Wallen, Shawn Wallen, Brianna Dillman.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Bruce's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Bruce Knighten's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Apr

4

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.

1401 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.