Graveside services for Johnny Ray Knott, 75, of Athens are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens with Rev. R.G. “Skip” Ericson officiating.
Mr. Knott passed away on Friday, June 14, 2013 in Athens after a long illness.
Johnny Ray Knott was born Oct. 11, 1937 in Palestine, Texas the son of Joe Sidney Knott and Johnnie Alice Groom Knott. He began his teaching career in Cayuga ISD in 1963 before moving to Athens as a teacher and coach for the Athens Independent School District for over 33 years. Coach Knott as he was known coached football, basketball and track for many years and was loved by his students. He was also on the AISD Board of Trustees for three years. Johnny worked as a caretaker at Catfish Creek Ranch south of Athens since 1961. He loved gardening, hunting, and was an avid fisherman. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and will be greatly missed by his family and a host of friends and former students.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Henry Ray; two sisters, Mary Lou Hollabaugh, Joyce Ellis and his beloved dog Simon.
Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Winona June Partin Knott of Athens; one son, Jason Knott of Athens; sisters, JoAnn Carlisle and husband Jack of Dallas, Billie Ruth Gullick and husband Chuck of Athens; one brother, Bobby Joe Knott and wife Virginia of Athens, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Ken Lemmon of Athens, the doctors and staff of Presbyterian Village North in Dallas and West Place Nursing Center of Athens.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 18, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Athens.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Johnny’s honor to: Baylor Health Care System Foundation at: www.baylorhealth.com/give or Baylor Health Care System Foundation, 3600 Gaston Avenue Barnett Tower, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75246-1800.