Bill Knowles Jr.

William ‘Bill’ Knowles, Jr, 88, was called home on December 24, 2024, where he is reunited with the love of his life, Suzanne, his parents William and Elizabeth and many friends and relatives. He grew up in Port Norfolk where he made lifelong friends. Bill played football and baseball at Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated in 1954. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1960. At VMI, he played baseball and football, and his classmates became his brothers. He visited VMI often to see football games, socialize with his fellow alumni and even returned to the baseball field for a few of the “Old Timer’s Games.” A barbershop conversation with the Superintendent of Portsmouth Public Schools set his path to becoming a legend in high school athletics. Bill taught history and coached many sports at Wilson, Deep Creek, and Churchland High Schools. While at Wilson, he met Suzanne, who was also teaching at the high school. In 1968, he transferred to Western Branch High School where he taught U.S. History and coached varsity football. He was athletic director of Western Branch from 1976 until he retired in 1991. Bill was a masterful storyteller and had the ability to connect with others. Because of his deep roots in the Western Branch and the Churchland area, folks recognized him everywhere! If he encountered someone he did not know, he would quickly find common ground. It was an amazing gift. Not only was he good at connecting with people, but he was also loyal to his family and friends. He set the example to be present for the people who mattered in his life, and he lived this way until his last breath. Bill and Sue enjoyed traveling, socializing with friends at the Portsmouth YMCA, the local restaurants, and sports events. Even as his health declined, he continued to meet the gridiron club for breakfast and lunches, went to the YMCA and met friends for dinners on Friday nights. He saw his VMI group as often as he could. The profession he chose positioned him to advocate for students and athletes. Many of his former students remember him fondly and he maintained close relationships with the athletes he coached. In fact, the day before he passed away, three former players visited him. Bill’s vision for high school athletics made it possible for countless students to achieve their dreams. He received many honors, recognitions, and awards, including creating the Southeastern District Athletic Directors Association and Eastern Virginia Athletic Directors Association and was president of the Virginia State High School Athletic Directors Association (which later became the VIAAA). Bill served on the Eastern Region Principal’s Council and the VHSL Executive Committee. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award and Award of Merit from the NIAAA. In 1997, he was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame; later he was inducted into the Chesapeake Sports Club Legends of Honor in 2019. Bill was a valued member of the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Committee along with many of his high school friends. In his free time, Bill golfed, fished, and tended to his yard, where he grew the most beautiful roses and flowers. He loved being outside, watching birds and sitting on the back porch with Sue. Bill was devoted to serving the Lord and was a deacon at Churchland Baptist Church. We will never know the extent of Bill’s positive impact on others. He lived a life filled with compassion, leadership, integrity, and grit. Left to cherish his memory are his son Patrick, his wife Melissa and their daughter Anna, his daughter Susan and her husband Donald, his sister June and her husband Jack and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Westminster Canterbury Hospice for caring for Bill. The family will receive visitors at Loving Funeral Home on Academy Avenue Friday, January 3rd from 3:30-5:30pm. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 4 at 11:00 am at Churchland Baptist Church. Donations can be made to Churchland Baptist Church or to the charity of your choice.