Lee Roy Knott, 85, of Naples NC, was ushered into the presence of Christ the King on February 1st, 2021. He was born on June 6th, 1935, in Childress, Texas, to Fordy and Mollie Knott. He was a graduate of West Texas State (now West Texas A&M) where he attended on an athletic scholarship. In 1958, after completing his collegiate work, he was commissioned as an officer into the United States Navy, where he served on active duty until 1962. He spent time on both the USS Saratoga and the USS Randolph. He later retired in 1979 from the Navy Reserves as a Lieutenant Commander. He met his beloved wife and faithful companion of 61 years, Mary Ellen, while training in the Navy flight program at Pensacola.
In his civilian life Lee Roy was a beloved schoolteacher and coach. He served at several Christian schools, including Pensacola Christian in Pensacola FL, Tabernacle Christian in Hickory NC, and Franklin Road Baptist in Murfreesboro TN. His faithfulness affected the life-course of hundreds of students, who still lovingly refer to him as “Coach.”
He served selflessly in several churches, and was passionately devoted to his family and friends. He leaves behind his dear wife Mary Ellen, sister Florine, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, in-laws, and a host of others who felt the heat of his love.
He spent his last hours surrounded by family and friends, and passed from this life to the next while they sang the hymns he loved so dearly. It was a life well lived, and as Lee Roy would say, “To God be the Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!”
A Funeral Service with full military honors will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Grace Baptist Church, 2703 Spartanburg Hwy., Flat Rock, NC 28726, officiated by Reverend Jeff Hawkey. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
A private family burial will be held at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.
Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Knott family with arrangements.
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