John Knuckles, Jr.

Mr. John Knuckles, Jr. passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017 at his residence in Bay City, Michigan. He was born on February 18, 1931 in Blytheville, Arkansas to John and Ruth Knuckles.

John was a resident of Bay City, Michigan. He completed junior high school in Arkansas, coming to Grand Rapids, Michigan at the age of 19 years, and later moving to Saginaw, Michigan. While in Saginaw, John joined the U.S. Army and became a Tank Driver, completing his military service in less than 3 years, and receiving an Honorable Discharge. He was employed by General Motors, Saginaw Malleable Iron Foundry, and was a member of UAW Local 455. John’s last employment was for Bay City Government, working various jobs, retiring after twenty-two years of service. While in Bay City, John attended the Historic Second Baptist Church of Bay City, Seth R. Doyle, Senior Pastor. His hobbies included fishing and sports, especially football. John was a stylish dresser, and he loved “dressing up” with his loving companion, Elizabeth Johnson for over 60 years. He enjoyed cooking and partying with family and friends. John knew no strangers, and will be truly missed by family and friends who loved him dearly.

Mr. John Knuckles leaves to cherish loving memories his companion, Elizabeth Johnson, Bay City, Michigan; grandchildren, Andrea Wilkins, Imani Coney, and great-grandson, Jameson Williams, all of Houston, Texas; six siblings, Christine Melton and Mattie Taylor, Saginaw, Michigan, Ceola Fredricks and Clora Shivers, Clinton Township, Michigan, Beatrice Jones, Atlanta, Georgia, and Ruth Lowery, Newark California; one brother, Louis Knuckles, Saginaw, Michigan; many nieces and nephews; special niece, Lisa Coney, special nephew, Norris Coney; many cousins, special cousin, Judy B. Jackson; City, Michigan; Linda Donald, Ohio, whom they raised several years and considered as a daughter; two brothers-in-law, Alvin Henix, Sr. and Charles Taylor; City, Michigan; many other relatives and friends; special friends, Mike and Diane, Lonzo, Namaan, Judy, Cindy, James McGee, D'Wayne, Odie Pierce, June Price and Theresa McIntosh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Knuckles; two sisters, Sarah Henix and Margaret Jackson; three brothers, Arthur, Leroy and J.T. Knuckles.

The family expresses special thanks to his care providers and neighbors, Diane and Mike; the staff at Dobson (Bob); McLaren Hospice of Bay City; Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Ivan E. Phillips and the staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel