Donald Eugene Knibb

Donald Eugene Knibb, 85, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2017 following a brief illness. He was born on May 3, 1931 in Goochland County, Virginia and married Dora Jane Pack on December 26, 1952. Donald was preceded in death by Jane, his wife of 63 years and is survived by his children Dennis Knibb (Darilyn), Dona Norwood, and Bruce Knibb (Lori); his grandchildren Brian Norwood, Scott Norwood (Dorisa), Hannah Henza (Jack), Holly Butler (Andrew) and Sam Knibb; great grandchildren Bristol, Karoline, Jack and Dylan; siblings John Knibb Jr, Hazel Heider, David Knibb (Wendy) and Robert Knibb (GiGi); and by sister-in-law Oaka Wortman (Richard).

Donald graduated from VPI (Virginia Tech) with a degree in Civil Engineering and later earned an MBA from UNC-Greensboro.

He worked for the Greensboro Department of Water and Sewer for 31 years. During those years he served as Chief Engineer and later as Director of Public Works. Water Resources were his passion. He was the Lead Engineer on the projects that built Greensboro’s municipal reservoirs – Lakes Higgins, Brandt, and Townsend, as well as the construction of multiple water towers and waste treatment plants. Donald was a licensed Professional Engineer and surveyor in NC, VA, and SC for many years. Even after retirement he maintained his membership with national and local public works and water resource organizations. He was a Lifetime Member of American Water Works Assoc., American Public Works Assoc., and NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. Donald was a long standing member of the NC Rural Water Assoc. and served on the NC Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board. He was a frequent guest

Donald was a deeply spiritual man and devoted member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Greensboro from the time he and Jane joined in 1956. There he served in many ways; Chair of the Church Board, Trustee, Elder, Chair of the Christian Education and Worship committees, and lifelong member of the Choir. He was honored to be named Elder Emeritus in 2015. Christmount, Black Mountain, NC was the second home for him and Jane. There he served on the Board of Directors and as Utilities Engineer, Interim Director, Engineer of construction projects, and many summers as a Camp Counselor.

Donald was awarded the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver for 50 years of active service. He served on the Board of Directors and as Lead Engineer for the Hillsdale Park Community Pool.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Church), 1900 W. Market Street, Greensboro, NC. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 and the memorial service, officiated by Rev. Lee Hull Moses, will begin at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Legacy Fund, 1900 W. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27403 or the Christmount Christian Assembly Endowment Fund, 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is serving the Knibbs family. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.