Charles "Charlie" Knox Jr.

Charles "Charlie" Knox, Jr.

After a battle with multiple cancers, Charlie (age 76) passed away peacefully on June 7, 2021, with Alice, his wife of 55 years, Nancy (sister), and Pepe Le Pew (dog) by his side. Charlie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and son, and will be missed greatly by his family and a multitude of close friends. He was admired for his friendliness, sense of humor, can-do attitude, willingness to help, dependability, ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, and work ethic.

Charlie was the first-born child to Chuck and Mary Knox, and grew up in the San Francisco bay area. Charlie was close to his family, which included siblings Nancy, Ginny, and Bob. Charlie joined the Navy and served in Vietnam. In 1966 he married Alice, his high school sweetheart and love of his life.

As young parents to two kids (Paul and Donna), Charlie and Alice moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1970. Charlie built a cabin for his family to live in. Charlie worked on the Alaska pipeline, was a substitute teacher, and eventually settled in to his lifelong career in the HVAC business. He traveled all over Alaska to complete jobs. Their youngest child was born in Fairbanks (Missy). After 15 years of Alaska living, Charlie and Alice decided to move back to the lower 48, so they could "thaw out".

From one extreme climate to another, Charlie and Alice moved to Redding, living there from 1985 to 2017. Charlie worked in the HVAC business in Redding. He was involved in the St. Joseph Church, and served with the Knights of Columbus for several years. Charlie began restoring old cars, and enjoyed meeting other car enthusiasts, especially in the Horseless Carriage Club. He also enjoyed RV camping and fishing, his favorite spot being the nearby Hat Creek Campground. He loved traveling, playing bridge, poker, and meeting people.

He enjoyed reading any history book he could get his hands on. He liked to watch football, western movies, any show about cars, antiques or flea markets, and anything on the History channel. He enjoyed political debates, especially sparring with his brother Bob. He loved entertaining his grandchildren, shamelessly willing to do anything to get a laugh or smile.

In 2017, Charlie and Alice left Redding, moving to Texas to be near their daughter Missy and three grandchildren. Charlie liked to stay busy, enjoyed building and was very handy. He most recently remodeled their casita, built his grandsons a fort, and his wife a chicken coop and a covered porch.

Charlie is survived by his wife Alice Knox, daughters Donna Skubinna and Melissa Hydrick, grandchildren Taylor Sheffield, Chase Hydrick and Weston Hydrick; sisters Nancy Helmer, Virginia Knox, and brother Robert Knox. Preceded in death by parents Charles Knox Sr and Mary Knox, and son Paul Knox.

There will be a service at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wounded Warriors.