Charles Franklin Knott Jr.

HILLSBOROUGH: Charles Franklin Knott, Jr., 82, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024 surrounded by family.
A faithful and loving son, Frank was born on December 19, 1941 to the late Charles Franklin Knott, Sr. and Ruth Barton Knott. After graduating from NC State with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he moved to Atlanta where he met Mary Caroline Kelly, his love and wife of 39 years. They had three children together and settled in Durham. He started his own engineering consulting firm, Knott & Roberts, designing mechanical systems for many hospitals, schools and commercial buildings in his hometown and beyond. Skilled at solving problems, building, carpentry, and fixing things around the house, he was known by his family as 'Mr. Fix-It'. After Caroline's passing, he met his love and wife of 16 years, Sarah Carter Russell. Through his retirement they traveled around the world; they most enjoyed their cruise to Alaska. Frank also was an active member of Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Durham in his later years.
Beyond his loyalty as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Frank thoroughly enjoyed sports, games and the outdoors. Golf was his most loved sport, and when he wasn't playing, he wanted to be watching it. He traveled with family and friends throughout his life to play at various courses and watch many tournaments. Brunswick County was a place he enjoyed playing, and he had a special place in his heart for Sunset Beach. He enjoyed the salty breeze on the porch while watching boats get stuck on sandbars, people watching, working on his farmer's tan and taking in 4th of July fireworks with his family. When he wasn't at the beach, he was known for growing some of the largest, juiciest tomatoes in his bountiful garden each year. During the colder months, he frequented Wolfpack basketball games and was a devoted fan for all his life.
A man of few words, when he spoke, you listened. His quick wit, generosity, steadfastness and integrity are parts of his legacy that continue through his children and beyond.
Frank is survived by his wife, Sarah; children, C. Andrew (Linda), David (Beth) and Susan (Bill); grandchildren, Timothy, Joshua, Elizabeth, Daniel, Nathanael (Ruth), Moriah, Micaiah, Elijah, Owen and Charlotte; great-grandchild, Easton, and sister, Carol. With his marriage to Sarah, his family grew, and he is also survived by step-children, James (Julie) and Amy; step-grandchildren, Wade, Madison, Carter and Nathan.
In celebration of his life the family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Monday February 19th at Clements Funeral Home in Durham. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20th at Clements Funeral Chapel followed by burial at Maplewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SwingPals of Durham in Frank Knott's memory.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.