Joe Ronald "Ronnie" Knowlton

Mr. Joe Ronald “Ronnie” Knowlton, 84 of Blackshear, passed away Wednesday afternoon, August 3, 2022, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House.

Born in Waycross, GA on May 29, 1938, he had lived in Pierce County most of his life.  Mr. Knowlton was a 1956 graduate of Blackshear High School.  He went to work for Western Electric for a short time before going into the US Army where he served for two years.  Following his military service, he returned home and went back to work for Western Electric.  Mr. Knowlton retired in 1989 from AT&T but stayed busy volunteering at the Pierce County Food Pantry, and the Disaster Relief Team. He had enjoyed hunting and was the secretary/treasurer of the Pierce County Hunting Club.  Mr. Knowlton was also a member of the Old Timers Club in Savannah, the 70’s Supper Club, and the Kountry Kickers Square Dancing Club.  He is and wife, Emma Dean, were the recipients of the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce’s Bright Spot award for 2012.  He had also served on the Blackshear City Council’s Police Department Committee many years ago.    Mr. Knowlton was a member and Deacon of First Baptist Church and was in the Enriched Sunday school class for which he was a former teacher.  He was ordained as a Deacon at Rehobeth Baptist Church. In addition to hunting, Mr. Knowlton enjoyed farming, riding his tractor, and doing anything with his grandchildren who called him ”Boss”.       

He was a son of the late William Preston & Estelle Clyde Davis Knowlton.  He was also preceded in death by a son, William Keith Knowlton.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Emma Dean Hamilton Knowlton of Blackshear; his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin & Angel Knowlton of Blackshear; his sister, Carole Youmans of Blackshear; his brother and sister-in-law, Ray & Ann Knowlton of Blackshear; his two grandchildren, Dixon Knowlton and Emma Knowlton, both of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Knowlton will be held Sunday afternoon, August 7, 2022, at 3:00 o’clock from the First Baptist Church with Dr. Justin Gambrell, Dr. Bill Young, and Dr. Benny Pate officiating.

Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.

Visitation for Mr. Knowlton will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Enriched Sunday school class along with members of the 70’s Supper Club.  Please meet at the church by 2:30 on Sunday afternoon.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice Satilla Hospice House, 811 Beacon Street, Waycross, GA  31501.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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