Rev. Raymond E. Knowles

Rev. Raymond E. Knowles Jr., 83, of Sylva, went home to be with the Lord Saturday morning September 10, 2022
A resident of Jackson County he was the son of the late Ray Sr. and Ruby Lee Knowles.
A U.S. Army Veteran, Ray was a member and former Pastor of New Savannah Baptist Church. He retired from Western Carolina University as the Carpentry Shop Foreman. An excellent craftsman he was also a very talented musician who loved to play music or just getting to work outside with his animals. He loved his family deeply and loved spending time with them, especially his grandchildren. 
In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his brother William T. Howze
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Ruth Knowles
His children; Kitty Knowles of Sylva
                        Robert (Aaron Thomas) Knowles of Atlanta, GA
                        Jeanne (Rev. Scott) Mathews of Sylva
5 Grandchildren; Kayla Bryson, Emily Bryson, Kevin (Cassie) Bryson, Crystal Mathews and Ricky Mathews
2 Great Grandchildren; Emmy Lou and Torvi
Sister; Lena Mae Husk of Phoenix, AZ

A Celebration of Life for Ray will be held 6:30 PM Tuesday September 13, 2022 in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Scott Mathews officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 5:00 PM till 6:30 prior to the Service at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to No Wrong Door/Veterans Purpose, PO Box 1594, Franklin, NC 28744