Terrence Knowles

Terrence Knowles, 70, passed away from Agent Orange lung cancer complications on December 5, 2021. Terry was born July 25, 1951 in Lakehurst, NJ to the late Thomas H. Knowles, Sr. and Grethe D. (Pedersen) Knowles.

Terry grew up in a close-knit family and enjoyed getting into mischief with his older brother, Bruce in the Philippines, where he was the youngest person (age six) to ever earn a reef pass. After graduating in 1970 from Miami Central High School in Miami, FL, he entered the Marine Corps and served two tours in Vietnam. He then reenlisted and spent a total of eight years in the Marines.

He met and married Elaine A. Knowles in Gainesville, FL where he had been working as a postal worker for 22 years. He retired December 31, 2019 with thirty years of federal service.

Terry was an avid wrestling fan that also enjoyed his rose garden, bird watching, popcorn, chocolate chip cookies and simply being a homebody. His dog Bella and cat, Kleo were always by his side.

He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He served the community of Hawthorne as their mayor from 2005 - 2007.

He had a strong will, the patience of a saint, and a kind and compassionate heart. Terry’s warmth and sense of humor were endearing to all around him.

He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Elaine and a loving father to Kristina, Samantha and Thomas. He was also a loving brother, to Lorayn and a loving grandfather to Joseph, David, Morgan, Josh, Chloe, Destiny, Thomas and Liberty. He was also a great grandfather to Damian, as well as a generous friend to all.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Jacksonville National cemetery on December 21, 2021 at 1:30pm.