Herman C. Knief

Herman C. H. Knief, lovingly known as "Duke," passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at the age of 91, at Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, SC. Born on August 8, 1934, in Port Chester, NY, Duke lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love.

Duke was a 1952 graduate of Mamaroneck High School and attended one year at the NYS Maritime College. His distinguished aviation career began when he entered the United States Air Force Aviation Cadet Program in 1953. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in December of the same year, earning the Aeronautical rating of Electronic Warfare Officer. As a true patriot, Duke flew reconnaissance missions with the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing out of Forbes AFB, Kansas. In 1959, he graduated from pilot training and became a pilot of a B-52D with the 77th Bomb Squadron in Rapid City, SD. His exemplary service continued as he transferred to Grand Forks AFB in 1964 to serve as Aircraft Commander of the B-52H aircraft. After his release from active duty in 1966, he joined the Air Force Reserve at Stewart AFB, New York, and was recalled to active duty during the Pueblo Crisis in 1968 for 18 months. Duke later transferred to the 702 MAS at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, in 1971 and retired honorably as a Lt. Colonel in 1979.

Following his military service, Duke embarked on a successful career in commercial aviation. He joined Pan American World Airways as a pilot following his release from active duty in 1966 and, in 1986, transitioned to United Airlines, where he retired as a Captain in 1994. Throughout his career, he accumulated an impressive 25,000 accident-free flying hours.

Duke's passion for aviation was matched by his enthusiasm for amateur radio. Licensed as an Extra Class Radio Amateur under the call sign W4DK since 1948, he maintained his licensure throughout his life. An active member of the USAF MARS Program, Duke served over 50 years and held the position of NC State Director. He was also a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association, serving two terms as national treasurer, and received numerous awards, including the Roanoke Division Service Award and the Miriam Smith Service Award.

Duke was a man of deep community involvement, a member of the Kedron Lodge AF&AM, Asheville Scottish Rite Bodies, Oasis Shrine, and the Royal Order of Jesters. He was a lifetime member of the Hendersonville Elks Lodge, Reserve Officers Association, and MOAA.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents, Hermann D. and Greta A. Knief, and his beloved wife of 67 years, Jacquelin L. Denny Knief, whom he married in 1957 in Topeka, KS. He is survived by his loving children: Krista Sneider and her husband Kevin, Karl Knief and his wife Cathi, and Kimberly Webb and her husband Jim. He also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Duke's life will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jeff Tankersley officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:30 PM and again following the services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital, Office of Philanthropy, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605, or by clicking HERE.

Duke's legacy of service, commitment, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.