Maurice Russell Knowles passed away peacefully on June 27, 2021 after a courageous battle with Cancer. He was 66 years old. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cynthia (Cindy) Knowles, Mother-in-law Shirley Paulson, Sister Cheryl Robinette, Brothers Michael Knowles and Christopher Knowles plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Betty Jo (Beckwith) Knowles and sisters Rosemary (Susie) Douglas and Jacqueline Knowles.
Russell was born August 18, 1954 at Ft. Bragg, Fayetteville N.C. As part of a military family, they moved frequently and he was able to experience living in numerous states plus two separate stays in Germany. After his father retired, the family returned to live in High Springs, Fl. the hometown of his parents. Russell was a teenager at this time and attended Santa Fe High School.
It was the 70s, the South, with rednecks, trucks you needed a ladder to climb into and chewing tobacco! Quite a culture shock after living in larger cities such as Brooklyn. After High School he attended Santa Fe Community College. As a teen he was employed at Priest Theater as a projectionist. Due to the amount of Popcorn he ate while working there he was never a big fan of it again in his adult life. He later enlisted in the U.S. Airforce (Vietnam Era) and was sent to Wichita Falls, Texas for basic training. He was then stationed in Homestead, Fl. He earned his degree as a Biomedical Equipment Maint. Specialist and worked in the Hospital there doing equipment repair. After a four year stint with the Air Force he returned back to High Springs. He was later employed at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fl. as a Electronics Technician taking care of various Hospital equipment, Nurse call system, Televisions, etc. Upon retirement he could be found helping out at his in-laws store (Main Street Antique Mall) in High Springs.
Russell was a great fan of Star Trek, X-Files, Science Fiction, anything about Alien life, earning him a nickname “Roswell” by one of his wife’s Uncles. He enjoyed Studying and learning about Ancient times, Science, Computer repair, anything technical. A brilliant mind! He was constantly learning and keeping up with new advances and technology. He was a lover of Rock and Roll and Blues music. Russell was a wonderful husband and best friend to his wife Cindy. They were a great husband-wife team and enjoyed life to its fullest. He will be forever loved and missed!
Funeral Services were held on July 5, 2021 at the Milam Funeral Home Chapel, Newberry Fl. Officiating Pastor Alfred Paulson Sr. Internment Newberry Cemetary, Newberry Fl.
