October 10, 2020, 63, Mount Olive

Robert Earl Knowles, 63, resident of the Rones Chapel/Summerlin’s Crossroads area, Mount Olive, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2020, while being cared for at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

Visitation was at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive on Monday evening, October 12. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. Jeff Bartlett and Dr. Gregg Day, followed by burial in the Pate Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to East Carolina Heart Institute, Vidant Medical Center 526 Moye Blvd. Greenville NC 27834

Robert Earl, the eldest child of Robert E. and Joyce Brock Knowles, was raised near Brock’s Chapel Church. He was, perhaps, best known for his love for music, and his musical talents allowed him to be a part of the following singing and musical groups: Knowles Family Singers, the original Southern Touch, Three in the Attic, Double Shot, and the recently formed Old School.

He had been employed in parts sales for heavy equipment as well as trucking.

Mr. Knowles is survived by his wife, Jayne S. Knowles; four children and their spouses, Jesi Knowles-Brock and husband, Alan Brock, Kristen Knowles Herring and husband, Blake Herring, all of Mount Olive, Holly Knowles Hoffman and husband, Matt Hoffman of Faison, and Taylor Knowles and wife, Brittany Brock Knowles of Mount Olive; his father, Robert E. Knowles of Mount Olive; brothers and sisters and their spouses, Albert Ray and Elizabeth “Punk” Knowles, Brian and Virginia Knowles, Connie Knowles McIntosh and Roger McIntosh, and Raymond and Dawn Knowles of Mount Olive; ten grandchildren, Brennon, Logan, Cristina, Kolbie, Gray, John Matthew, Brylee, Amelia, Rilynn, and Dawson; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend for the past 40 plus years, Steve Wiggins (known to this family as Uncle Granddaddy) and his wife, Hazel of Mount Olive.

Robert Earl was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Brock Knowles.