Wyburn Neal Knowles' Obituary
August 18, 1935 - February 10, 2017Rev. Wyburn "Neal" Knowles, age 81, began eternal life in the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 10, 2017. Born and raised in Bayou La Batre, AL, he spent his early years shrimping on the Bayou. In 1953, he married the love of his life, Betty Hendrix. Together, they gave their hearts to God in 1956. He then devoted his entire adult life to ministry, beginning in Alexander City with the youth group. Having been ordained into the Church of God of Prophecy, he faithfully served as pastor all across the state of Alabama at churches in West Anniston, Montgomery, Bayou La Batre, Carbon Hill, Boldo, and Russellville. Later in life, he was ordained into the Assemblies of God and was the senior adult pastor at Calvary Assembly of God in Mobile. Central Assembly of God in Mobile was his last pastorate, before retiring from full time ministry. In 2016, he became an ordained Bishop with Zion Assembly Church of God, where he was an active member.A carpenter by trade, he built many homes in his life. He never failed to have a building project of some sort at every church or parsonage where he pastored, always leaving it better than he found it. He believed in growing God’s Kingdom the old fashioned way by knocking on doors, holding street services, marches, and making it a point to meet everyone in the community that he could. He loved people and people loved him. On any given morning, you would find him talking with folks in the local coffee shop or any place else, especially if there was food involved, where he could tell someone about Jesus. He never met a stranger. Known for “making the rounds” and visiting people, he would walk in and make himself at home, by checking out the fridge. He was always happy to find a big pot of gumbo on the stove and never turned down a plate of food, despite being married to an amazing cook who kept his belly full.He was preceded in death by his parents, Burnice and Margaret Knowles, brothers, Calvin Stencil "Bud" Knowles, Rev. Allen "Pokey" Knowles, Gary Clinton Knowles, Burnice Alvin "Noonie" Knowles Jr., sister, Bernice Harbison, and grandson, Christian David Lively.He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Knowles, son, Brad (Deanna) Knowles, daughter, Clarisa (Michael) Lively, granddaughters Charity (Robin) Plasse and Zoe Lively, great grandsons, Spencer and Chapin Plasse, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was a loving husband, father, Gramps, friend, and shepherd to many.2 Timothy 4:1-8I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Monday, February 13th from 5-8 PM.Funeral service will be held in the Serenity Funeral Home chapel on Tuesday, February 14th at 12:00 PM. The service will be officiated by his nephew, Rev. Clint Knowles, assisted by Rev. Joel Brooks.Interment to follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens.
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