Robert Levis Knowles

Mr. Knowles was born June 22, 1925 in Ft. Pierce, Florida. After graduating from High School in Stuart, Florida he enlisted in the U. S. Army, serving his country in WWII from 1943-1946 as a member of the 12th Armored Division. He also worked as technical director for the 12th’s touring production of “Hellcat Revue” in 1946 often escorting famous entertainers, such as Marlene Dietreich, Jack Benny and Zero Mostel. He earned a BA degree in Speech and Drama, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1949 from John B. Stetson University and earned his MA Degree in Theatre Production from the University of Florida in 1950.

He was professor of Theatre at Auburn University from 1951-1967, serving as acting chairman during his last year. It was at Auburn where he met his future wife, Nancy Mae Entrekin. In 1967 he moved his family to Jacksonville, Florida where he was the executive director of Theatre Jacksonville for 13 years.

Then in 1969, he and his family begin spending summers on Roanoke Island in Manteo, NC where Mr. Knowles was hired as production coordinator of “The Lost Colony,” an outdoor drama. In 1975, he was named Associate Producer, and in 1980, he and his wife Nancy moved to Roanoke Island as he assumed the role of General Manager, a position he held until retiring in 1993. “The Lost Colony’s” season that year was dedicated in his honor. Mr. Knowles moved to LaGrange in 2008 to be closer to his daughters.

During his 43 years in the Theatre, he directed over 200 different shows, and held every office in the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the last being the office of President.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Nancy E. Knowles, his parents, Thomas C. and Lillie Knowles and his brother-in-law, Jimmie Entrekin. Survivors include his brother, Thomas C. Knowles of Wayne, NJ, 2 daughters and son-in-laws, Susan K. and William B. Black, of LaGrange and Robin K. and Hal P. Miner, of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Adam G. Johnson and wife Savanna, of LaGrange, Stephanie A. Johnson, of LaGrange and fiancé, Joshua Fleming of Augusta, Lynn M. Brodie and husband Jason, of Birmingham, Holly M. Turner and husband Nathan, of Auburn; nieces, Janie E. Brooks and Barbara K. Arrowood; nephew, Thomas C Knowles, III: and sisters in law, Edith C. Entrekin and Charlcie E. Phillips.

A memorial service will be held in Manteo, North Carolina at a later date. Those so desiring may make a donation to Roanoke Island Historical Association, 1409 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 for the Bob Knowles Scholarship Fund, a scholarship fund which rewards an actor, actress or technician for outstanding artistic integrity and professional discipline in that season’s production of “The Lost Colony”.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240

(706) 884-8636 www.shlagrange.com