George Albert “Bert” Knesel, III

George Albert Knesel, III was born on June 2, 1939, and passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 86 at home in Columbia, SC. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to George A. Knesel, Jr. and Helen S. Thiberge Knesel. He attended grammar school at St. Catherine of Sienna Parochial School in Metairie. After his first two years at the Jesuit High School in New Orleans, he transferred to the St. Joseph Seminary near Covington, LA. He graduated from their high school and attended his first two years of college there. After a brief entry to the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, his academic path eventually led to his graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Chemistry from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA. He went on to earn a PHD in Chemistry from Louisiana State University (LSU - Geaux Tigers!) in 1966.

He taught chemistry and philosophy of science at Southeastern for ten years. Bert was active with the students, serving as a fraternity faculty advisor and an advisor to the student senate. He also coached the University tennis team for two years. Simultaneously, Bert worked for Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge during the summers. Ethyl hired him for a full-time position in 1975.

Bert moved to South Carolina in 1978 to help set up the Ethyl “ibuprofen plant” in Orangeburg. He worked for the Ethyl Corporation in Orangeburg as a research chemist primarily helping them to continually improve the manufacture of ibuprofen. Many female tennis players have thanked him profusely for this work.

In 1986 while doing research in the library at USC, he happened to notice Virginia Weathers as she was noticing him from the reference desk in Thomas Cooper Library. He moved to Columbia in 1989 and they were married in 1991.

Bert remained with Ethyl until 1994. He continued his career by teaching chemistry at Midlands Technical College where he developed a Chemical Technology Certificate Program for students who wanted to work as lab technicians and process operators. In 2002, he received the Hayes-Crolley Distinguished Lecturer Award at MTC. After his retirement, he continued as an adjunct teacher with MTC until his health began to decline.

Bert is survived by his wife, Virginia Weathers and his daughters Shelley K. Cook and Dina Marie Knesel; his six siblings, Agatha K. Guiterrez, William “Schep” Knesel (Donna), Helen K. Martinez (Claudio), Catherine K. Guirovich (Eddie), John “Francis” Knesel (Rosalie) and Robert “Bobby” Knesel (Linnae); four grandchildren, Ashley D. Sullivan (Chuck), Brandon Darrow, Stacy Cook Baham, and John Cook (Amanda). Also surviving are great grandsons, Aden Darrow, Christopher Cook, Dylan Baham, Kingston Cook, Kai Cook, Callum Cook; step great granddaughter Alexis Sanders; as well as many delightful nieces and nephews. And dear friend, Lucy Singleton, who walked with the family through their difficult journey.

In addition to his parents, Bert was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Kimberlyn Ann Knesel; grandson Zachary Mark Darrow; his brother-in-law, Manuel G. Guiterrez Jr.; sister-in-law, Harriet Weathers Lindsey; and brother-in-law, Robert “Mac” Lindsey.

Bert was an avid tennis player from the age of ten and won many trophies until Parkinson’s took that movement away from him. He appreciated the fine arts. He enjoyed classical music and regularly attended the South Carolina Philharmonic performances. Of course he loved New Orleans jazz, Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, and too many others to list. His favorite artists were from the Impressionist period. Spoleto was one of his birthday treats as it was in June. Once confined to the home, he enjoyed watching football, tennis and following politics on television. Classical piano music was his go-to listening enjoyment.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers from Daybreak, Right At Home and Solutions for the many hours they put in caring for Bert. They especially thank Jennie, Amber, and Melissa for their care as his Parkinson’s advanced. The family is also appreciative of the Richland County EMS staff and the Columbia Firemen who visited “the house on the hill” to assist Bert.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. following the service.