William R. (Bill) Knox died July 30, 2026.
He is survived by his daughter Margaret Knox Herrin and husband, Bill, of Signal Mountain, TN and grandson Michael Knox Herrin of Soddy Daisy TN.
Bill was born on February 12, 1931 in Homewood, AL. His parents were long time Homewood Fire Chief E.H. Knox Sr. and Mary P. Knox.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Patricia G. Knox and son William R. (Bill) Knox Jr.; both parents, and an older brother, Edgar H Knox Jr.
Bill attended both grammar school and high school at Shades Cahaba in Homewood, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, senior class president, and captain of the football team during his senior year in 1949. After graduating from high school he enrolled at Auburn University where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He attended Auburn for one year before dropping out of school to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. He served 4 years in the air Force during the Korean War. Bill spent 3 years overseas assigned to NATO in England, Italy & Turkey. He was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1954 and returned to Auburn. Bill graduated from Auburn University in December of 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation he was employed by Reynolds Metals Company in Sheffield, AL as a production supervisor. Bill retired from Reynolds in 1992 after 35 years of service. He was superintendent of the Sheffield Can Plant, Hot Rolling, Cold Rolling and Five Stand Mill Departments at various times before retiring.
Bill’s favorite leisure time activity was traveling the country in an RV motor home. He and Pat made trips from the East coast to the West coast, and from Key West to Alaska over the years. After retiring he and Pat were members of the Shoals Good Sam Camping Club and made many long weekend trips with the club.
He was a long time member of the Greater Shoals/Sheffield Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), and a charter member of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church.
A funeral service will be held at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Florence on Friday August 7, 2026 at 10 a.m.
The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service and his remains will be placed in the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 1900 Darby Drive Florence, Al 35630
An online guest book may be signed at greenviewmemorial.com
