Fred was the founder of Architectural Graphics Incorporated in Virginia Beach. Today, it is a thriving company with over 1,300 employees.
Fred was the son of Ruth Temple Christianson and Harold Martin Knowles and grew up in Danville, VA., where he met his wife, Glenda Hall. He graduated from Duke University in 1963 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, Fred was accepted into the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey, where he served for two years as an officer.
After retiring from AGI in 1994, Fred continued his passions professionally in design, digital imaging, and printing. He became proficient in genealogy and spent many years tracing his Knowles and Christianson family ancestry.
Fred taught a Prayer and Praise Sunday School class at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach for many years that led to a “Footsteps of Jesus” journey to Israel in the spring of 1994 for 46 members/friends.
Fred is survived by his wife, Glenda; his children, Kory Hickman (Bill) Chase and Hayden; Kimberly Meagher; Kelly MacInnis (Mark) Elaina and Evan Miller, Kayla and Lyla MacInnis; and his son, Kevin Christianson Knowles; his brother, Wayne Knowles; and his nephew, Jeff Knowles.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice and English Meadows Memory Care for their outstanding care of Fred this past year.
Memorial donations honoring Fred may be made to Williamsburg Community Chapel, 3899 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, or the James City County Fire Department.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Williamsburg Community Chapel on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 2pm. All are welcome. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.
