He was born June 19, 1946, in Hattiesburg, a son of the late John Melton Knotts and Hazel Simmons Cuevas.
Mr. Knotts enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved sunrise and sunset. He was the embodiment of hard work and the dignity of labor-all go and no quit. As a lifelong farmer he worked in acres, not in hours, and he loved every square inch of earth that he tilled. Throughout various other careers, his heart was always on the farm. Whether working the land or his animals, he never cut corners. And while sipping a glass of tea under the shade tree in late afternoon, he could survey the results of his labor with pride.
Mr. Knotts was a member of Rock Hill Baptist Church in Brandon and devoted Christian husband and father. His family was his greatest joy, and he loved every minute spent with them. Some of his favorite times were visiting with his brothers and sisters and his beloved mother before her passing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Knotts, in 2018; brothers Johnny Paul Dye and Earl Dye; and sisters Marie Odom and Ruby Dye.
Survivors include son, Richard Nathan Knotts; daughters, Sheila Knotts Cantrell, and Tracy Marie Ayars (Sam); grandchildren, Lauren “Gabby” Cantrell, Christian Avery Cantrell, Richard Nathan Knotts, Jr., Christopher Theron Knotts (Kristina), William Anthony Knotts (Jurrena), Sydney Marie Ayars, and Casey Jean Ayars; brothers, Harris Dye (Dianna), and Edward Dye (Sue); and sister, Dorothy Jean Perrien.
The family will receive friends from 1:00pm until 4:00pm, Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Monday, July 6, 2020, in the funeral home chapel with interment in Parkway Memorial Cemetery, Ridgeland.
