Guy Earl Knowles Jr.

Guy Earl Knowles, Jr., born November 18, 1929, in Rockingham, North Carolina, died on October 11, 2026, in Smyrna, Georgia, at age 96. A man of steady faith and purposeful service, he lived a life marked by devotion to his work, his family, and his church.

Guy earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from North Carolina State University and later completed a master's degree in business from Georgia State University. His professional career spanned decades as a retired engineer from Lockheed in Smyrna, where he served faithfully for 32 years, with additional time spent at Gulf Stream. Before his engineering career, he served his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, answering the call to duty with the same steadiness that would characterize his entire life. In his retirement years, he remained active and engaged, finding joy in handyman projects, yardwork, and working with wood—pursuits that reflected his love of the outdoors and his practical, capable nature.

Yet Guy's greatest legacy was not measured in professional accomplishments or home improvement projects. For 25 years, he served as a volunteer leader for the Homebound Ministry at Mount Paran Church, a commitment that embodied his deepest convictions about faith lived through action. His church honored his decades of faithful service by naming him elder emeritus and recognizing his years as an usher. Beyond the church walls, he served as president of the Lions Club and president of his homeowners association in North Georgia, bringing the same warmth, generosity, and tenacity to every community he touched. Those who knew him remembered a man who greeted everyone with a genuine smile and genuine care—compassionate, kind, and faithful in both big commitments and small daily kindnesses. His life, lived with purpose and integrity across nearly a century, stands as a testament to faithful work, generous service, and the quiet strength of a man devoted to his family, his church, and his community.

Guy is survived by his wife, Joan E. Knowles; his three children, Lisa Petrollena (Rick), Dale Knowles, and Sara Nichols (Mark). He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy Knowles and Macy Knowles, and survived by his 100 year old sister, Goldie Coates, grandchildren, Starr Petronella, Marc Nichols (Lori), Brandon Nichols (Heather), Bethany Kinzel, Tyler Nichols (Stephanie), Jordan Petronella, and Logan Petronella; and great grandchildren, Thurston Nichols, Memphis Mize, Charleston Nichols, Weston Nichols, Ella Kinzel, Harper Nichols, Riley Nichols, Bodhi Kinzel, Skylar Nichols, stepson Burton Clay Canfield, Jr. (Kacey), step grandsons Parker Clay Canfield and Cameron Are not Canfield. The family of Mr. Guy Knowles Jr. will receive friends on Friday October 16, 2026 from 1-2pm at Mt. Paran with a service to follow at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that you consider donating to Mount Paran Church at www.mountparan.com/give or Samaritan's Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org. Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna is in charge of arrangements.

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