Obituary of Alfred James Knowles

HANNACROIX - Alfred James Knowles, 87, passed away on Sunday May 1, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 16, 1928 in Dormansville, NY to the late George and Myrtle Duncan Knowles. He was raised on Knowles Road in Potter Hollow, first attending a one room schoolhouse on Knowles Road and then graduating from Middleburgh High School. Alfred worked as a mechanic, a truck driver, and a heavy equipment operator. In the late 1960's he purchased his own garage and operated it in Selkirk. After selling his business, he went to work for GE, where he retired from. Alfred enjoyed cutting firewood, hunting, fishing, and mowing his lawn, keeping his property always looking immaculate. He loved old time country music, especially Boxcar Willy. He will be remembered for his beautiful singing voice, his stunning blue eyes, and his home made cooking, including his mac and cheese, homemade bread and his famous pancakes and sausage gravy. In addition to his parents, Alfred is predeceased by his siblings, Raymond Knowles, Bertha Duncan, Marjorie Dahl, and Anna King. Alfred is survived by his loving wife, Gretta Mudge Knowles; his dearest children, Michael (Donna Kraft) Knowles, Penelope Hamilton, Keith (Lori) Knowles, Carolyn Demory, Rebecca Flansburg, Nancy Minshell, and Alfred J. Knowles, II; several beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his favorite cat, Molly. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday May 4, 2016 from 4 to 7pm at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083. A funeral service will be held on Thursday May 5th at 11am at Christ Episcopal Church, State Route 32, Greenville, followed by burial in Greenville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.