Ray James Knowles, 87, passed away July 16, 2015. Ray was a faithful member of Colonial Baptist Church serving as a deacon for 25 years. He was a Founding Board Member of Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Virginia Beach, VA (1994). For over two decades he taught a Saturday morning Mens’ Bible Study. Soon after moving to the Norfolk area, Ray launched a sign painting business known as Ray Knowles Sign Company serving the Tidewater area for 30 years.
Ray is survived by his wife of 70 years, Wilma Knowles, along with his daughter, Bonnie Knowles and his son, Wayne Knowles. Cherishing the memory of a wonderful grandfather will be 5 grandchildren: Beth Mark, Jennie Larson, Wayne Knowles, Karen Cummins and Michael Knowles. Ray was blessed to see 12 great grandchildren come into the family.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 20 at 1:30 p.m. The service will be at Colonial Baptist Church, 2221 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Following the service there will be a brief time of visiting with the family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Colonial Baptist Church to benefit the many ministries there. Please visit his book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to send words of encouragement to the family.