John Little Knowles

Dr. John L. Knowles John L. Knowles passed away peacefully at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, FL on Saturday January 6, 2018 surrounded by his family. John was born on July 27, 1928 in Phenix City, AL. He worked with his father during his formative years on their dairy farm where he learned lifelong lessons about the value of family and hard work. He graduated from Central High School, Phenix City, AL before earning a scholarship to Auburn University in Auburn, AL. John graduated from Auburn University in 1950 with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry followed by a Master’s Degree in Animal Nutrition. John then graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, AL in 1955. He completed his Internship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital followed by a Residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL where he met his future wife, Georgette Ossi, a Registered Nurse Anesthetist. John and Georgette were married on December 30, 1956 at Assumption Catholic Church in Jacksonville, FL. They were transferred to the Naval Hospital, Pensacola, FL in 1960 where John served as Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps of the United States Navy. They settled in Bradenton, FL in 1962 and John joined with his partners, Gordon Arnold, MD and Roger Hall, MD at the General Surgery practice of Arnold, Knowles and Hall, MDs, PA. He was a member of The American College of Surgeons. John served the community in numerous capacities. He was Chief of Surgery at Manatee Memorial Hospital. He was also one of the original founders of L.W. Blake Memorial Hospital, Chief of Staff in 1974 and he served on the Board of Trustees for many years. John was predeceased by his father Thomas Lofton Knowles and mother Anne Porter Knowles, his two brothers, Thomas Knowles, Jr of Springhill, FL and Porter Knowles of Phenix City, AL as well as the love of his life for over fifty-seven years, Georgette Knowles. John is survived by his four children, John Knowles Jr. (Cindy) of Greensboro, NC, Anne Knowles Bruno (Anthony) of Snellville, GA, Michael Knowles (Karen) of Delray Beach, FL and Chris Knowles (Lauren) of Bradenton, FL, and seven grandchildren, Allie Knowles, Libby Knowles, AJ Bruno, Alexander Bruno, John Bruno, Janie Kate Knowles and Sidney Anne Knowles. John was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer and a member of Bradenton Country Club for over fifty years. He greatly enjoyed the many friendships, which he and Georgette developed. They loved to travel together and with their friends, visiting over fifty-seven countries. John was a devoted husband, father and loyal friend and he will be dearly missed. A funeral service will be held on Saturday January 13, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, 720 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, followed by interment at Fogartyville Cemetery. Donations may be made in John’s honor to Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton.