Service Details
A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020, 11:00 am at Christ Chapel MBC, 815 Park Avenue. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. In addition, there will be a visitation on Friday, February 28, 2020, 5-7 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.
RACINE – Rev. Tommie Lee Knuckles, age 83, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
He was born May 16, 1936 to Joseph and Odesser Knuckles in Twist, Arkansas and was second born of 17 children. Rev. Knuckles was baptized in the Tyronza River at the age of 12 and was educated in his younger years in Tyronza, Arkansas. He later attended the Milwaukee Theological Institute before training and studying under the leadership of Rev. Mack C. Davis of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Racine. He later became ordained in 1996. Rev. Knuckles was employed by J.I. Case for over 32 years, retiring in 1996.
Rev. Knuckles lived a full and active life collecting numerous models cars, bowling, shooting pool, and spending time at family gatherings. If he was not engaged with family he was most likely engaged in his favorite pass time – riding his Harley Davidson; either in the city or on a road trip south to Memphis, TN.
To cherish his memory, Rev. Knuckles leaves children Angela Knuckles, John Knuckles (Brenda), Lance Knuckles, Derrick Knuckles, Torrence Knuckles, Tyray Knuckles and Danielle Knuckles; siblings, Sammie (Emma) Smith of Oxford, MS, Jonnie B. Knuckles of Oakland, CA, Louis Smith of Racine, WI, Ora Gray of Racine, WI, Carey (Cheryl) Knuckles of Evansville, IN, Sampson Knuckles of Racine, WI, Earl Knuckles of Racine, WI, Ruby (Louis) Buckingham of Antioch, CA, Classie West of Racine, WI, Dorothy (Willie) Burnett of Anniston, Al, Altoria Edwards of Racine, WI, Jeff Knuckles of Racine, WI, Odesser (Greg) Maxie of Vallejo, CA and Harvey Knuckles of Quimper, France; uncles, Rev. Alfred (Fannie) Burns of South Carolina, and Dan Burns of Racine, WI; aunts, Edna (Aaron) Baker of San Leandro, CA; and host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends; along with Willie Knuckles, Christine Supal and Barbara Knuckles.
Rev. Knuckles was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Odesser Knuckles; sister, Emma Knuckles; Brother, Joseph Knuckles Jr.; sisters-in-law Jacqueline Knuckles, Elizabeth Smith and Fabian Knuckles; brothers-in-law James Gray, Bill West, Sr., Charles Edwards And Nathanial Smith; aunts, Alma Farrow, Altoria Naylor, Dorothy Bowman and Julia Ellis; Mae Jessie Burns, Margaret Burns and Minnette Burns; uncles, Nelson Burns, Calvin Naylor and Carey Burns; niece, Katrina Edwards; daughter, Shelia Knuckles; sons, Michael Knuckles, Robert Knuckles and LC Knuckles.
A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020, 11:00 am at Christ Chapel MBC, 815 Park Avenue. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. In addition, there will be a visitation on Friday, February 28, 2020, 5-7 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.
Queen Williams says
May the love of Christ
Comfort you in this difficult time and bring you peace.
My condolences to the family.
Linda Herron-Miks says
My sincere condolences to the entire Knuckles and Burns family. I met Tommie in 1965 in the home of my sister Liz and brother-in-law, Sam. When Tommie uncovered that I enjoyed singing the tunes of the 60s, he quickly talked my sister, Jackie and I to join his 4-piece band.
He was quite the Entrepreneur and we enjoyed working together in the summer of `65. Again, My sincerest condolences to a well respected and Godly Family.
Sandra White, Simone Jones(White), Camilla Alexander(Huff) says
Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rev. Knuckles. We cherish the memories of him spending time with our family and riding motorcycles with our dad (the late Charles L. White) over the years. May God comfort and keep each of you during this difficult time.
Sandra White, Simone Jones(White), Camilla Alexander(Huff)
Mary Weaver says
May God’s hope-filled promises bring comfort to your soul and peace to your heart.
Mary Weaver says
May God’s hope-filled promises bring comfort to your soul and peace to your heart.
My sincere condolences
THE HICKS FAMILY says
REST IN PEACE 🚗🚘🚙
Jozell and Jimmy Davies says
I admired Re. Knuckles for his strength of faith. I will continue to be inspired by things he said while he was alive. He will live in my memories as my pastor for fifteen years and most of all my dear friend for over fifty years. My prayers and thoughts are with the Knuckles and Burn families. 🙏
Hope R Smith says
My condolences to the Knuckles family, Reverend Knuckles was a blessing to my life as he served with my father at 2nd Missionary Baptist Church! You were always an inspiration!
RIP and Well done, for you have ministered to many; you were truly a good and faithful servant!
The angels rejoiced upon your arrival!
Rlambert & family says
Deepest sympathies to the entire family of Rev. Knuckles. Life well lived.
Dwan Greer & Family says
Rest In Heavenly Peace 🙏
Brenda Lee) Kaprelian and Ashleigh says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Knuckles Family. 🙏🙏
Charles and Glorious Goldsmith Hicks and Family says
Our condolences to your Family in the loss of your loved one. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
The Hicks Goldsmith Family
Joyce Shelton Smith says
Sorry for your loss, praying for your family.
Anonymous says
Our thoughts and prayers goes out to family keep your hands in Gods unchanging hand. God bless you
Ellis Cotton Family