Marion "Lucky" Knowles, Jr., 90, of Watha passed from his earthly life to his eternal rest on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at his home surround by family and friends.

He was born January 28, 1922 in Duplin County, the son of Marion Franklin and Lomie Stella Tadlock Knowles. Also remembered is Marion's brother, Willie F. Knowles who preceded Marion in death in March of 2012.

Marion is survived by his wife, Alma M. Knowles; daughter, Glenda Elaine Whitefield of Stem; son, Ricky Lee Knowles (Inger) of Columbia, South Carolina; nine step-children; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Wade Knowles (Melba) of Atlanta, Georgia and Rodney O. Knowles (Barbara) of Wilmington; sister, Doris Webber of Atlanta, Georgia; many nieces, nephews and extended family who loved Marion dearly.

Marion served his country honorably during WW II in the US Navy and as a Sergeant in the US Army Reserves. He was retired from Gilbert Associates, Inc. in Reading, Pennsylvania.

He was a member of W. Dudley Robbins American Legion Post No. 165, King Solomon Lodge No. 138 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Masonic Bodies-Wilmington, Sudan Temple-New Bern and Pender County Shrine Club.

First and foremost Marion was a faithful member of Penderlea Pentecostal Holiness Church where he served with dedication as an Elder and Missions Director. He served on the Watha Town Board for nine years and as mayor of Watha for nine years, resigning in January of 2009.

Marion loved his family and was loved in return. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and watching football and baseball. With a twinkle in his eye he loved chatting with friends and family. He was a man of faith who served his Lord and his community unceasingly. Cherished memories of Marion will forever remain in our hearts.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2012 at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. Dean Walker and The Rev. Rodney Knowles officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park. Casketbearers will be David Nance, Ray Knowles, David Knowles, Gary Knowles, Wilson Knowles and James Tomassetti. Honorary bearers will be Lee Howard and Arnold Mathis.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home and at other times will be at the Knowles home.

Memorial gifts may be given to Penderlea Pentecostal Holiness Church Missions Fund, 8348 Penderlea Hwy, Willard, NC 28478.

Condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2012 at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel wit The Rev. Dean Walker and The Rev. Rodney Knowles officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home and at other times will be at the Knowles home.