Abner Stanley Knowles

Stanley was the doting husband to Daphne Willetts Knowles until her death in 2003, and to Ann White Knowles (living). He was predeceased by his first wife, Daphne Knowles; his parents, Abner S. Knowles and Martha Boyte Knowles Ownby; his sister, Barbara Knowles; and his sister-in-law, Mary Kate Knowles. He is survived by his second wife, Ann Knowles of Wilmington, NC; his brother, Larry Knowles of Riegelwood, NC; his sister-in-law Jane Marston (Claude) of Bolivia, NC; his son, Glenn Knowles (Dianne) of Boston, MA; his granddaughters, Alexandra Elizabeth Knowles Kahveci (Kyle) of Dedham, MA and Christiana Haven Knowles of Boston, MA; and his great-grandsons, Benjamin Alden Kahveci and Graham Alexander Kahveci; Nieces Kathy Knowles Lohff (David) of Severna Park, MD; Rebecca Knowles Floyd (David) of Holly Springs, NC; Nicole Toy (Steve) of Cary, NC; D’An Ball (Patrick) of Suffolk, VA; Nephews Andy Knowles (Wendy) of Houston, TX; Tony Wescott (Beverly) of Middleton, Delaware; and Michael Wescott (Jenny) of Raleigh, NC.

Stanley was born on September 28, 1937 in Goldsboro, NC. He graduated from Bolivia High School in 1955 and went on to graduate from Baylor University in Waco, TX majoring in communications. Upon his return home, he enlisted in the US Air Force where he served for four years as an air traffic controller, stationed in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was honorably discharged in January, 1964 and awarded an Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

On September 23, 1962, he wed Daphne Willetts, whom he met in Bolivia, NC. In 1963, their son, Glenn, was born. They moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Stanley worked for the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission as a radio producer. He produced several radio shows, including “The Baptist Hour,” “Master Control,” and an internationally syndicated radio program, “Country Crossroads.” His work on “Country Crossroads” allowed him to interview nearly every country music star of the 1970s and 1980s. Through these contacts, Stanley became friends with many country artists, including the humorist Jerry Clower, one of the hosts of “Country Crossroads,” with whom he remained close friends until Jerry’s death.

During this time, he and best friend Derwood Rowell founded their long-time band “Tumblin’ Creek,” which performed in the North Texas area, Nashville, TN, and at The Louisiana Hayride. Stanley also co-owned and operated two different music shops: one in Shallotte, NC and one in Fort Worth, TX. The Fort Worth store was named “DC Sound” after his wife, Daphne, and Derwood’s wife, Carolyn. After his and Daphne’s return to North Carolina in 1985, he owned and operated Knowles Nurseries, a greenhouse in Bolivia, NC.

Stanley and Daphne were quite a team with her being the more grounded, quiet partner and him being the outgoing frontman. After 40 years of marriage, Daphne passed away in 2003. Following Daphne’s death, he married Ann White, whom he had known for many decades. The two were married for 20 years and lived in Wilmington, NC. Ann happily accompanied Stanley to his weekly band practices and turned the music pages as he played and sang. Stanley was blessed enough to have two loving, long-lasting marriages.

Stanley was a devout Christian, an avid musician, talented composer and lyricist, and a caring friend to all who knew him. He was rarely without a guitar in his hand and was always ready with a story or a song. Generous to anyone in need, he frequently gave away pocket bibles, or even his own, to anyone who would accept them. His deepest desire was for people to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Jane Marston (Daphne’s sister) and to all of Stanley’s friends who have cared for and loved him in these last few months. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Misty York and Jessica Tomlinson with We Help At Home and Spring Arbor Senior Living for their care.

We’ll miss you so much, and we love you, but we know we’ll see you again one day.

A visitation for Abner will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 11:00am at Bolivia Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Willetts Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Larry Henry, David Stanley , Ronnie Drew, Dan Cook, Mike Dixon, Glenn Knowles.

In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to Bolivia Baptist Church in Bolivia, NC.

Online condolences may be made to www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel