William Gaither Knox was born to the late Henry and Leronia Knox on November 18, 1924 in Iredell County. At the age of 9 he went to live with his grandmother, the late Lizzie Knox. God sent an angel to bring him home on June 8, 2012
 
William attended Davie Central High School, Russell Commercial School and Forsyth Technical Community College. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II (1943-1946) and was recipient of the American Theater Victory World War II Medal. He was employed with the Hanes Corporation, retiring in 1982. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #72 where he formerly served as a Past Master.
 
William enjoyed hunting, playing checkers and visiting family and friends. He loved serving the Lord and worked diligently and humbly at Goler Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church where he was a member for over 50 years. He served as the church custodian for over 15 years and will be remembered for greeting members and visitors with a genuine smile and humble spirit. William was a member of the Trustee Board, Sunday School (former teacher) and Cathedral Choir. He loved to read the Bible and sing. He shared his talent throughout his life participating in numerous church programs, including as a tenor soloist for the Seven Last Words of Christ Easter Cantata. He was also a former member of The Twin City Choristers.
 
He was preceded in death by three sisters: Mattie Johnson, Laura Thomas and Leronia “Sallie-Ann” Knox and two brothers: James Knox and Macon Knox.
 
Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Mildred Ellis Knox; two daughters, Constance K. Foster (James) of Poughkeepsie, NY and Edythe K. Dove (Jesse) of North Charleston, SC; a son, William Greg Knox (Brenda) of the city; a sister, Lizzie Anthony of Lewisville, NC; two brothers William “June” Knox, formerly of Buffalo, NY who recently moved to the city; and John Henry Knox (Anne) of the city; two brothers-in-law, Franklin Thomas of East Bend, NC and  Nathaniel Ellis (Trudy) of Spanaway, WA; three sisters-in-law: Dorothy Wynecoff and Olivia Morgan of the city and Grace Knox of Lanham, MD; six grandchildren, David (Meredith) and Dwayne (Christine) Dove, Steven and Bryan Knox, Michelle Evans (Leon) and Michael Foster; seven great-grandchildren: Jackson, Davis, Miarra, Kayla, Stephon and Leon; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church with Pastor Johnny L. Ruff, officiating. The family will greet friends from 12:00 until the funeral hour. Interment will be in Parklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Goler Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here.