LOUISBURG – Ralph S. Knott, 78, of Louisburg, died Saturday night. 

An Army veteran, he served as Clerk of Superior Court for Franklin County for 39 years, was Chairman of the State Clerk of Superior Court Legislative Committee for 23 years, and served two terms on the NC Court Commission. Active in the Franklin County community, he played a key role in the establishment of a satellite campus of Vance-Granville Community College and served as Chairman of the Franklin County Leadership Committee, County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the County Democratic Party.  He was an active member of Louisburg Baptist Church, the Jaycees, and was chosen as Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. He was known for his great wit and telling of funny stories and for his love of the people of Franklin County.

The son of the late Alton Knott and Mildred Knott Lassiter, he is survived by his wife, Polly J. Knott; two daughters, Lee-Ann T. O’Neal of Louisburg and Peggy Pearse (Jon) of Mystic, Ct.; three granddaughters, Skyler, Zoe, and Macy Pearse;  three sisters-in-law, Elaine Knott, Karen Stokesberry, and Betsy Lampley; and one brother-in-law, Jimmy Weathers.  Also, surviving are 4 nephews and 5 nieces.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, John A. Knott and Phillip Knott; and sisters, Joyce A. Weathers and Linda K. Griffin.

Visitation was held on Monday, September 19, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Strickland Funeral Home, Louisburg. The funeral service was held Tuesday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Louisburg Baptist Church with Dr. Reggie Rushing officiating. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers,  memorials should be made to Louisburg Baptist Church, P.O. Box 730, Louisburg, NC 27549.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Paid Obituary