Michael David Knox, born October 21, 1952, was the beloved husband of 34 years to Laura G Knox; father of Amanda Knox Marier and Samantha Rae Knox; grandfather to Robert and Hailey Marier; older brother of Jeanne Sass, Kimberly Perry, and Katrina Stiles went to his heavenly home on October 12, 2016 to be with Jesus.
Michael was predeceased by both biological parents, Donna Lolley Black and Charles Frederick Knox. Michael’s family moved back and forth during much of his childhood between birthplace Oil City, PA and west Florida. He struck out on his own at age 16 but remained close to his family.
An enterprising young man, he was financially helping his family even at the tender age of 7-8 years when he would go down to the Clearwater docks to catch the ropes of docking boats for 50 cents a rope taking the money home to his mom. During the Vietnam war, he pulled the number 3 out of the national draft lottery which prompted him to enlist in the Air Force in hopes of being trained as an airline mechanic. He was fortunate enough to spend his enlistment on the Greek Island of Crete as medic which is where his lifelong medical career began. Beginning as a nurses’ aide at psychiatric facilities, then as a Licensed Practical Nurse, then as a Registered Nurse at medical hospitals including Helen Ellis Hospital, Tarpon Springs and finally at the James Haley VA Hospital in Tampa; spending almost 40 years in the medical field.
He and his wife both retired in November of 2014 and enjoyed a few wonderful bucket list trips before he became ill enough that travel was difficult. Michael’s interests were varied but his first love was the outdoors, especially hunting. He was a wonderful provider whose family never wanted for anything. He worked hard and loved to make money anyway he could.
There will be a celebration of life held on his birthday hosted by his sisters in Oil City, PA on October 21 and a memorial held in Florida at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Tarpon Springs on November 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.. There will be a light lunch to follow the service in the Greene Hall, all are welcome to attend. Memorials in his memory can be sent to the NRA.
