The late and great William Knowles Sr. was born to earline Knowles in Pontotoc County Tupelo Mississippi on June 9, 1949. William or "Reese" as he was affectionately known, has four siblings by his mother and seven by his father, Henry Walker. Both of his parents preceded him in death.

Reese worked for and retired from ford motor company after 30 years of service. He met Cynthia Duckwyler in the early 70's and they were married March 6, 1978. Together they parented Frank Smith Jr (deceased), Shawnta Knowles, and William Knowles, Jr. Reese loved fishing, watching sports, cooking, and he loved his family. Reese was a "man's man" who's loving and teaching spirit fathered many. He didn't meet anyone that didn't enjoy him or have a memory that is engraved in their lives. He had a way with words and you would probably end up with one of his witty phrases. Reese also loved fixing things, he always said, "if he couldn't fix it, then it was broke!" He had a way of making you think differently and want to do good for yourself. He was genuinely a "good man".

Reese departed this life on Tuesday December 6,2022 leaving to honor his memory his mother in law, Dolly Duckwyler; his daughter: Shawnta Knowles, son: William Knowles, Jr. and Monica, his eldest daughter. His siblings: Terry, (preceding him in death), Sarita Franklin, Tracy Borum (Trerrance), Ricky Thomas (Teresa), Mable Williams, Patricia Sorrell, Betty Walker-Fox Bishop Obie), William Walker, Thomas "Ronnie" Walker, Tony Brown (Jackie), and Stephen Rucker. His sister in law: Shirley Nelly's (Ester). His brother in law: Wayne Duckwyler( Rosie). His grandchildren: Ashlyn, Maurice, Marshayla, Marianna, Makiah, Nevaeh, William |||, Cynthia and Adalyn. Three aunts: Gloria, Esther, and Linda Bell. One uncle, Shelby Wayne. Three great grandchildren: TJ, Terrion, and Triniti and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends