Carl Lee Knowles

Carl Lee Knowles entered into God’s hands on April 14, 2024, at the age of 93.  His four children and several of his grandchildren were by his side with their hands on his body when he entered heaven.  Carl was born in McRae, GA, to the late James Robert and Melinda Towns Knowles on September 6, 1930, as the youngest of ten children.

Carl was raised with an extremely strong work ethic, working to contribute to his family from a very young age and was committed to instilling this same work ethic and self-sufficiency in all four of his children.  He served honorably in the Navy during the Korean Conflict on both the USS Pittsburgh and the USS Noble.  Upon returning to McRae after his service, he fell in love with Frances Nell Mathews.  After six short months, Carl and Frances married.  They raised four children, Tony Randall, Brenda Gail, Dinah Lee, and Carlton Derrick.

Carl was called by God to spread the gospel, pastored many churches across the state of Georgia, and led thousands of souls to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In recent years, he served as a faithful member of Salem Baptist Church. Along the way, Carl learned the craftsmanship of upholstery. After retiring from the ministry, Carl opened an upholstery business that he led for many years; he still would go to the shop to work until 2019 at the age of 88 years old.

Carl was an amazing storyteller, a jokester with anyone from the first moment of meeting, he loved with every ounce of his being, and he brought great joy to everyone he met.  Anyone who ever met Carl got to experience the strongest handshake of their life and got to hear about his passion for hunting – “coon hunting” that is. Hearing his dogs chase the racoons in the middle of the night through the woods and across mountains brought him much joy.

Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Nell Mathews Knowles; his parents, James Robert and Melinda Knowles; and siblings, Bessie Shephard, David Knowles, Cicero Knowles, Zach Knowles, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ward, Mary Clements, William “Bill” Knowles, Robert Knowles, and John Knowles.

He is survived by his children, Tony, Brenda, Dinah, and Derrick (Tiffany); his grandchildren, Justin (Lindy), Brinkley (Dane), Ava, Eloa, Eduardo, Brady (fiancée Ava), Chase, Titus, Journey, and Liberty; and his great-grandchildren, Allie, Emma, Ella, and Archie.

Visitation with the family will be held at Love Funeral Home on Thursday, April 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  A celebration of life will be held at Salem Baptist Church on Friday, April 19, at 11:00 a.m.  This service will be livestreamed on Facebook. Carl will be committed and laid to rest at United Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.