Vic was born on April 25, 1938, in Mt. Olive, NC, son of the late Henrietta Crow Knowles and Jesse Jackson Knowles.
He is a 1956 graduate of New Hanover High School and of Wilmington College and went on to earn his BS degree in Chemistry in 1960 from North Carolina State University. His value of education is evident by his perfect attendance from first grade through college.
He began his career in June, 1960, with Riegelwood Paper/Federal Paper Board Company as a paper processing engineer. After 39 years he retired as group leader for paper development with International Paper of Riegelwood.
His true love was being with his family, establishing traditions which will continue for many generations. Vic and Frances enjoyed traveling to unique places, the love of good food and life experiences.
He was an avid supporter of the Wolfpack of NC State and the Seahawks of UNCW. He enjoyed all levels of sporting activities from youth programs through professional events.
Vic was a very active member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church, serving the church in many capacities throughout his long membership. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Vic is survived by his wife of 51 years, Frances Fortner Knowles; sister Katherine Knowles Plummer and husband Kenneth of Wilmington; son Brett Carlton Knowles and wife Amy of Wilmington; daughters Laren Knowles Rutland and husband Bill of Waxhaw, NC; Shannon Knowles Luhrsen and husband Michael of Wilmington. His grandchildren, who affectionately call him “Popeye,” Brittain Elizabeth Knowles, Savanah Gray Knowles, Matthew Jack Luhrsen,, Cole Ewing Luhrsen, Cade Jackson Rutland, and Kyle Arundel Rutland.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 10, 2013, in the fellowship hall of Wrightsville United Methodist Church.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 11, 2013, at Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28409, with the Reverend Bob Bauman officiating.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Glen Thompson, Pete Peterson, Tommy Bancroft, Andy Mason, Milt Howard, and John Cowand.
The Knowles family wants everyone to know how appreciative they are for all the love, support, and kind words of encouragement from loyal friends, and for the care and compassion of the dedicated physicians and their staff.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wrightsville United Methodist Church, 4 Live Oak Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.
The staff of Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert Gail “Vic” Knowles.
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