Chief Deputy William Oren Knowles Jr.

1/18/41-9/10/11

William “Bill” Oren Knowles, Jr. died Saturday September 10, 2011 at the Hospice of the Comfort. He is preceded by his Mother and Father, Omega Collins and William Oren Knowles. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Brenda Holland Knowles, son William “Austin” Knowles, sister Betty Knowles Kushmer and daughter-in-law Lindsey Snyder Knowles.

Bill was a graduate of East Bay High School where he lettered in all sports. He continued his education at St Petersburg Junior College. Bill served in the Military Police in the US Army in Korea. He started his law enforcement career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Bill advanced his career to the State Attorney’s Office in Hillsborough County and served with the Duval County State Attorney’s Office. He also served with Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Bill joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in 1981 and retired as the Chief Deputy of Orange County Sheriff's Office in 2005 having served 42 years in law enforcement.

Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge 69, Eastern Star, Kappa Alpha Order (Beta Zeta chapter), University of Florida and enjoyed his membership at West Orange Country Club for 30 years. “Big Dog” was an avid Gator Fan and Gator Booster for 17 years. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father and friend to all. We will all miss his compassion, generosity and ability to make everyone laugh.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday September 13, 2011. Visitation with the family will be from 9 am-10 am at the First Baptist of Orlando, Henry Chapel, 3000 South John Young Parkway. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 10am in the Henry Chapel. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either The Tim Tebow Foundation (www.timtebowfoundation.org) or Desire Street Ministries – Danny Wuerffell (www.desirestreet.org)

Arrangements entrusted to Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.