Roger Eugene Knowles, age 94, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Born on October 9, 1931, in Bremen, Georgia, Roger was the son of the late Ellender Knowles and Gladys Maybelle Knowles McKelvey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ellender "Junior" Knowles and Steve Knowles; his sisters, Melba Price and Ann Williams; and his beloved great-granddaughter, Raygen Kate Mitchem.
Roger lived a remarkable life of service, dedication, and patriotism. At just 17 years old, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1949. During his distinguished twenty-one-year military career, he rose to the rank of Captain, serving in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve before retiring in December 1969. He served three combat campaigns in Vietnam and earned numerous military decorations, including the Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "V" Device for Valor, the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Mast, and several marksmanship awards. Roger also completed specialized military training in areas including jungle survival, combat intelligence, personnel management, and chemical, biological, and radiological warfare, reflecting his unwavering commitment to excellence throughout his military career.
Following his retirement from the Marines, Roger continued his life of public service by joining the Federal Protective Service in 1971. Over the next twenty-one years, he served as a Federal Officer before retiring as Chief of Field Operations in 1991.
Even in retirement, Roger never stopped serving others. He volunteered at the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park and was an active member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Military Officers Association of America, and the Marine Corps Mustang Association. Roger was a devoted patriot who deeply loved his country.
Outside of his service, Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and water skiing. He especially cherished spending time outdoors with his family and friends.
A faithful Christian, Roger was a longtime member of Antioch Baptist Church of Carrollton, Georgia, where he faithfully taught Sunday School for many years. His faith guided every aspect of his life and left a lasting impact on those he served alongside.
Roger's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth Yates Knowles, of 35 years. He is also survived by his children, Roger Michael "Mike" (Debbie) Knowles, Howard Dale (Linda) Knowles, Jason Kris "Kris" (Tammie) Knowles, and Karmen Knowles Mitchem, and stepchildren, David (Katie) Reid, Candace (Mickey) Ivey; grandchildren Jason (Andrea) Knowles, Kevin (Jessica) Knowles, Keith (Kendra) Knowles, Kraig (Shanda) Knowles, Logan (Tiffany) Mitchem, Kristian (Jacob) Bohanan, Parker Knowles, Raleigh (Alex) Stimmell, Malachi (Grace) Ivey, Abbie Reid, Ben (Natalie) Reid, Joseph Ivey, and Rosie Reid; sixteen great-grandchildren; his sister, Billie June Lovvorn; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
The family will receive friends at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM.
Funeral services will follow in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 PM, with Pastor Jamie Beam and Bro. David Reid officiating. Jason Kris Knowles will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow at Carroll Memory Gardens with full United States Marine Corps military honors. Keith Knowles and Kraig Knowles will have the honor of folding the American flag during the military honors ceremony. Jason Knowles, Kevin Knowles, Keith Knowles, Kraig Knowles, Logan Mitchem, Parker Knowles, Benjamin Reid, and Jacob Bohanan will serve as pallbearers.
Martin & Hightower Funeral Home is honored to serve the Knowles family during this difficult time. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com.
