Original Memory Book for Eric Knowles

SERVICE OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE AND WITNESS OF THE LATE

AGE: 56 Yrs HELD AT: Zion Baptist Church Established 1835-B.m.s.-London East And Shirley Streets Nassau, N.p. The Bahamas Sunday, December 10th, 2023 At 2:00 P.M. OFFICIATING: T.G. Morrison (Rev.) ASSISTED BY: Rev. Walton Winters and other Associate Ministers/Deacons/Evangelists MUSICIANS: Bro. Wemsley Smith INTERMENT: Cremation Will Follow

Obituary

LONG LIVE THE KING…

Born to Julia and Basil Knowles on the 16th of December, 1966, he was affectionately dubbed “Rat” by his loving family because he was such a tiny baby. The first child of their union, Eric grew to reign as “King” of the manor and their hearts. His earliest years comprised of him growing up in the idyllic settlement of The Bluff, Cat Island. Here he was nurtured by his grandparents, Lawrence and Sybil McKenzie, who instilled in him a love for nature through fishing, farming and daily island life adventures. Fostering in Eric a profound admiration for the rhythms of life.

Later on, Eric relocated to Nassau, where he thrived academically and socially, becoming a well-known figure at both Claridge Primary and St. Anne’s High School. Eric was very active in debate teams, track and field, and community service.

He emerged as the Deputy Head-boy of his graduating class in 1983.

Excelling at the College of the Bahamas and later at Morehouse College, Eric returned to Nassau to kickstart his accounting career at Chase Bank, then onto the Ministry of Housing, Department of Immigration in Grand Bahama, followed by the Ministry of Social Services where he stayed for some time. His journey in the public service sector allowed him the exposure to a multitude of persons from all walks of life. Here, he forged relationships with many people, which attributed to his love of charity and community.

In the early 90’s, Eric took a leap of faith departing from his accounting career, he hung up the pinstripe suits and suspenders for work boots and kneepads. Still using his sharp mind for numbers, Eric embraced the tiling industry with a vigor only matched by his love for learning and life. His hands were his greatest tools and his generosity shone through as he passed on his knowledge, utilized by the skills learnt from father. He often mentored young men in the trade while building a dedicated team for his small business.

As his business grew, so did Eric’s family. He later met and married Tonia and the two steadily grew into five. He was a devoted father and strived to give his family his very best. Eric lived a life full of laughter and adventure. He worked hard and played even harder. He was heavily involved in Kiwanis Club of Nassau, AM, Toast Masters, and a plethora of lodges.

He was initiated into The Lodge of Unity at the end of 2006 and swiftly rose through the ranks over the years. Being installed as Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Unity in 2018 was a big accomplishment of his. He carried on this passion for brotherhood, becoming a founding member of numerous lodges- Bahamas and Turks Tercentenary, Yuma and Lodge of Unity to name a few. His love of community propelled him in many projects that included working with underprivileged communities.

Challenged by health issues before the pandemic, Eric faced his new reality with unyielding determination and despite these hurdles, his spirit remained unbroken. Eric embraced work and hobbies with renewed fervor. He took on subsistence farming, baking, and amateur pottery work, never once allowing adversity to dim his positive outlook on life. Known for his quick wit and charm, Eric was always more inclined to extend a helping hand or offer sage advice than seek it for himself. His ferocious drive to give back, even when facing personal struggles, remains an enduring testament to his character.

As time progressed, Eric’s health declined further,

prompting a slower pace of life. Yet, he maintained his optimism, displaying resilience that defined his being until the end. Eric was a friend, son, brother, father, companion, and confidant. He was a man that stood true to his beliefs and was unwavering in his opinions, a brilliant mind in every shape and form. Eric’s life was one of resilience, triumphs, and a deep-seated connection to his roots, reflecting a life dedicated to love, family and service.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife: Tonia Knowles; Daughters: Erin Knowles-Sands; Faith Riley; Sons: Eric Jr. and Ethan Knowles, Jon-Alexander Sands; Parents: Basil & Julia Knowles; Siblings: Laura Stuart, Devia Knowles, Ryan Antonio; Brothers-in-laws: Lindbergh Stuart, Malik (Madonna) Riley, Roberto Riley; Sister-in-laws: Vanessa Riley, Audra Riley, Ramona Bethell; Aunts and Uncles: Rueben & Joanna Knowles, Alfred Spence, Stephanie & James Sands, Sidney & Janice McKenzie, Marsha Missick, Lucinda Ambrose, Roslyn Hepburn, Shriley & Reginald Ferguson, Euphemia & Bertram Nixon, Zhivago & Rochelle McKenzie, Melvese Hepburn, Wendall McKenzie, Brenderlee McKenzie; Great Grand Aunt: Gwendolyn King; Nieces and Nephews: Lindburgh Peneil & Linae Stuart, Tomaso &Timothy Riley, Revival, Revere & Revine Bethell, Rachel Riley, Brian, Aaliyah & Robert Antonio; Cousins: Yvette (Ezra) Cash & Family, Vanessa (Leroy) Millet & Family, Tamara Ambrose, Annika Mackey, Davia Joseph & Family, Latoya Cartwright & Family, Indira and Sean Ferguson & Family, Naria Holbert & Family, Jamiko Sands & Family, Ronique (Jermaine) Bastian & Family, Sid McKenzie, Karlyndria (Stephen)

Clarke & Family, Ashnell (Joraan) Adderley & Family, Renishka Missick, Carl (Kayla) Missick II & Family, Lynisha McKenzie, Kimberly Spence, Alfred (Therese) Spence Jr. & Family, Mario (Tanya) Stevenson, Latika and Bertrianna Nixon & Family, Christopher (Tashna) Hepburn & Family, Keisha, Kasharel and Kristen Hepburn & Family, Pedro, Andrew Reudon and Reumae Knowles & Family, Drexell, Marvin, Glendia, and Donnalee Hepburn & Family, Zhizell & Zhivez McKenzie; Other Relatives & Friends: Joyce and Trevor Knowles, Glen and Preston Gibson, Cory and Kimberly Gibson, Marie Heild, Dianne Maycock, The Families of John R. Wilson, Bishop William Wilson, Roy & Howard Wilson, Salathiel Wilson, Oral, Millicent Hudson & Family, Ethel Brown, Reuben McKenzie, Henrietta McKenzie, & John McKenzie; Numerous Family Friends and Fraternal Brothers: Dr. Sheena (Kirklyn) Antonio-Collie & Family, Sharma Fox, Eglin Smith, Mark Francis, Simon Chappell, Dwayne Brown, Edvardo Humes, Javier Bowe, Darren Bastian, James Bain, Ian Butler, Janet Brown, Maxine Rolle, Massey Pennerman, Bishop Philemon Wilson, The Hepburn, McKenzie and Wilson Family from the Bluff, Cat Island and Rockers Family, The Knowles and Miller Family from Long Island, Leslie Brown & Family, The Zion Family, New Life Family, The Church Of Divine Family, Lodge of Unity, St. Annes Class of 83’, C.O.B 87’, Morehouse College 89’, Dept. of Housing, Min. Social Services, The Red Door Crew; Special thanks to: Dr. Nottage and team at PMH, the nurses of Male Surgical 1, Oncology Clinic Staff, Ms. Foster, Dr. Turnquest and Dr. Francis.

ORDER OF SERVICE MODERATOR | Pastor Kirklyn Collie (Abundant Grace Church) OBITUARY | Read Leisurely TRIBUTES | Naria Holbert (cousin) W. Bro. Duane Murray- Asst. District Grand Master, District Grand Lodge of Bahamas & Turks Jhanae Winters – Spoken Word MUSICAL TRIBUTE | John Evans, Neil Pinder & Cory Hield TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND TIMES | Marvin Hepburn (cousin) CHORAL PRELUDE | Adult Sanctuary Choir SERVICE OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING MINISTRY OF THE WORD MODERATOR | Rev. Walton Winters Bi-vocational Minister PROCESSIONAL/SCRIPTURAL SENTENCES | Ministers/Pastors OPENING HYMN | “All Hail The Power of Jesus Name” All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem And crown him Lord of all.

Bring forth the royal diadem And crown him Lord of all.

Hail him, you heirs of David’s line, Whom David Lord did call, The God Incarnate, man divine, And crown him Lord of all.

The God Incarnate, man divine, And crown him Lord of all.

Crown him, you martyrs of our God, Who from his altar call; Extol the stem of Jesse’s rod And crown him Lord of all.

Extol the stem of Jesse’s rod And crown him Lord of all.

Sinners, whose love can never forget The wormwood and the gall, Go, spread you trophies at his feet And crown him Lord of all.

Go, spread you trophies at his feet And crown him Lord of all.

O seed of Israel’s chose race, Now ransomed from the fall, Hail him who saves you by his grace And crown him Lord of all.

Hail him who saves you by his grace And crown him Lord of all.

Let every kindred, every tribe On this terrestrial ball To him all majesty ascribe And crown him Lord of all.

To him all majesty ascribe And crown him Lord of all.

Oh, that with yonder sacred throng We at his feet may fall!

We’ll join the everlasting song And crown him Lord of all.

We’ll join the everlasting song And crown him Lord of all.

PRAYER OF INVOCATION | Pastor Charles Dorsett (New Life Kingdom Baptist Church) SOLO | Min. Gwen Basden (Church of Divine Resurrection) MINISTRY OF THE WORD JEWISH SCRIPTURE | PROPHETIC TRADITION | Lamentation 3:20-26 | Yvette Cash (cousin)

RESPONSORIAL HYMN | “Come Thou Fount” Come, thou Fount of every blessing; tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above; praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love!

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.

CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURE | Christological Invocation | Matthew 11:27-30 | Audra Riley (sister-in-law) SERMONIC SELECTION | Adult Sanctuary Choir

WORD OF HOPE EXPOUNDED | T.G. Morrison | 3rd Elected Bahamian Pastor PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Pastor Julia Bain (cousin)

SONG OF HOPE | “It Is Well” When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

(Chorus) It is well, it is well, With my soul, with my soul, It is well; it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

RECESSIONAL | Ministerial College, Pastor, Picture & Family (The Day Thou Gavest Is Ended) The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.

The sun that bids us rest is waking Our brethren ’neath the western sky, And hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondrous doings heard on high.

We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night.

So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never, Like earth’s proud empires, pass away: Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever, Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.

As o’er each continent and island The dawn leads on another day, The voice of prayer is never silent, Nor dies the strain of praise away.

A TRIBUTE TO MY ONLY SON ERIC LORENZA KNOWLES King, as I fondly call you, I wonder how on earth I found courage to write a tribute to you, knowing full well that a river does not flow backward. What a painful reversal of roles.

King, who will write my tribute now that you are gone?

It has been more than a week since you left me and I still can’t believe that you’re gone. I keep passing you door to hear your voice and see you beautiful smile; even though I know sometimes you only tried to make me feel good.

Eric, I truly miss your “Top of the Morning Sunshine” greetings so much. Your big smile that melted my heart, that infectious grin that made me laugh, and your many promises that you made and believed you would fulfill. They are no more.

You grew up to be such a loving, compassionate, kind and helpful person. I am so proud of the indelible mark you have left behind.

You are blessed and honoured even in death.

Thank you for being my son.

There is so much to be said but not enough words to describe how I feel about your passing, my son. You lived your life to the fullest and you loved deeply. Your legacy will live on through the countless many you have touched.

Eric, not even death can take that away from you.

I thought having witnessed my own child’s death would be most difficult thing any mom would ever do. But I now realize how wrong I was. Eric, life gave me a gift; to be with you in the end. As I laid and rubbed your frail body and prayed, I thank God for giving me the strength and opportunity to have been able to be with you during that crucial stage. It was a privilege to have been there for you. I will forever remember that night, as I hugged you in my arms and heard your last words,” Mommy I can’t take it no more”. I watched you take your final breath and went to sleep.

God gave you to me, and it has pleased Him to call you back to Himself. Rather than question I will honour and praise God for what he does is well done.

The overwhelming love and support I have received from your friends and families have helped me through these sorrowful times. I felt your warmth and saw your smiles from every friend who came by or called.

Eric, as profoundly painful as it is to try to move on without you physically by my side, I will try my best, because of the lessons I learnt from you - Doing your best with whatever you had.

Thank you for the times we shared, but most of all thank you for the honour of being called your MOM. You were my pride and joy. I missed you so much. It hurts so much, but until we see each other again, may your gentle soul rest in the father’s bosom.

Rest in perfect peace KING. I will always love you SUNSHINE. Good bye!

MOM

MY DEAREST SON, Eric, I will always remember you coming by the house we would embrace, and I will tell you I love you.

I thank our Heavenly father for sending you into our lives. You were a joy and a gem. You will forever be in my heart.

Words can hardly describe how much I miss you, but I know you are at home with your Maker. I thank God for the time He allowed you to be with us, enjoy your Heavenly family.

God bless you, ‘til we meet again.

Your loving Father

I MISS YOU DADDY...

In the story of a daughter’s life, her first love often lies in the hands of her father. In many ways, that holds true for me. I may not have always admitted it, but I was undeniably a daddy’s girl. You set a different bar for me, one that I often found stringent, yet you showered me with the kind of love and attention only a father could provide.

As a little girl, I both feared and admired you. Your charisma and unwavering opinions about life intrigued me. However, as I grew older, those traits became somewhat exasperating, leading to clashes that later revealed our striking similarities.

You had a passion for life! Your all-consuming obsessions with various pursuits, and your unmistakable ADHD quirks—these were the quirks I loved most to tease you about. You’d dive headfirst into projects, leaving some unfinished as you discovered something new to explore.

Those spontaneous trips to the farm, hardware store or a family member’s house, though inconvenient at times, were your way of wanting to spend cherished moments together. Often, in these moments, you’d open up about aspects of your life or share your worries—a part of you I hold dear.

My love for you was pure but never idealized; you were flawed and unapologetically so. Despite your small stature, you were immense in wit, spontaneity, mischief, admirability, and an overwhelmingly loving personality. The one and only Eric L. Knowles—my dad—was such a multifaceted individual, and I count myself privileged to have seen every facet. Your vulnerability with me gifted me the ability to perceive the world and its people authentically. You never cared for superficiality and that was one of your most endearing qualities. Your refusal to yield to certain challenges was equally admirable and your tenacity was magnetic, drawing people to you like moths to a flame. To many, you were numerous things, but to me, you were simply my daddy.

I will miss our playful banter, tranquil moments in the garden, your ever-eloquent narrations, and our chaotic kitchen escapades. The house will echo with silence in your absence, leaving our hearts a bit hollow. Your voice, once strong and impassioned, now resides only in my memories—a tempo that turned into whispers and eventually faded to silence. Your light, once bright, now leaves a void in the spaces you occupied. Your infectiously mischievous smile lives on only in my mind.

I’ll forever remember the feeling of your sturdy, calloused hands—a testament to your hard work and perseverance. Daddy, your absence leaves a profound ache in my heart. And now to the ethos you belong, wild and free as you always were, untethered by earthly bounds.

Until we meet again...

Love your favourite girl, Erin Kaila

W

hen I think about my dad, it’s like trying to piece together a puzzle with a few missing parts. He was a dad as best as he could be to me. In his special way, he loved and care for me.

We did have our happy and not so happy times together, but there were some really good moments we shared. I remember the times he showed me how to identify different plants, our special moments teaching me how to play volleyball and even when we made soursop ice cream. Our loud monopoly nights were a blast, especially when he and I would tag team Erin and Eric to win. My dad had this knack for being funny and keeping things lively. Yet, he taught me about hard work and endurance, especially in construction and farming. I do wish I had more time to really know him, but all I have are these bits and pieces of who he was and I will carry them with me through life.

Before he left, he told me to “live humbly” and that’s what I’m gonna do. He used to say, “Just keep waking up,” and back then I didn’t get it. But now, I know it means taking things one step at a time, even when it’s tough. I will miss his presence, but he taught me that even when things look bad, as long as I take that first step, I can keep moving forward, even if I have to crawl.

So, goodbye for now, Dad. Rest easy, okay?

Love Ethan, your “Mr. Wonderful”

T

hank you, Daddy Eric, for all the fun things that you did with me. You showed me how to work in your garden and gather vegetables. You also told me about the different kinds of plants. I liked to look at your chickens and I remember how you told me about the baby chickens. I am so sad that you have gone away. I will miss you and I love you.

FAITH

T

hroughout my life I heard many call you by an assortment of names. Some called you ‘King’. For a time, few called you ‘Wise’. While others called you Eric. Each carrying a semblance of your personality. As I reflect on one of your favorite adages: “It’s not what you are called, it’s what you answer to”. And I’m glad I had the privilege to call you ‘Dad’. And you answered that call…

“Honor your father” is a central tenant in the Bible (Ephesians 6:3). This encapsulates every facet of a father, his strengths and weaknesses. In following this principle, I observed these traits beneath your humorous veneer, endurance, and inquisitiveness. I found your attitude was remarkable, the words “can’t” and “if ” were merely suggestions to you. These words were in your vocabulary but never a part of your diction. You were determined that limitations are by choice, and you sought to rise above them.

Likewise, your endurance was commendable. Through trials and celebrations, you would often repeat, “keep waking up”. You acknowledged that seasons are temporal and one must have endurance ‘til the end.

Moreover, your inquisitive mind was stupendous.

You would often take advantage of learning something new each day. You were a continuous student, in the pursuit to “expand your mind”.

In short, God gave me your face, you gave me your name; I’ve purposed myself to carry on your legacy.

To your eternity with God. EJ

MY BIG BROTHER… At the fore of this reflection is pain. Yet through it I push – as he always did for me – to reminisce on the brother I shared all of my life with!

And it was a life that experienced never a dull moment!

With my big brother, laughter was the order of our day. Of course, to hear him tell it, he would probably describe them as ‘teachable moments’, schooling me in the art of shooting marbles, skating, spinning tops, driving…

It was Eric who bolstered my courage to change my major in university – without telling Mummy, of course! It was my big brother who showed me how to finesse the art of going out without asking, to disregard my curfew and it was my brother-turned-accomplice who would be there to let me into the house – through the window!

Yep… he never got into trouble for any of it of course, but my accomplice taught me even how to get out of a whipping!

Eric’s personality was infectious. His ability to show affection was immense!

His resiliency, determination and courage in the face of adversity is and will always be an inspiration to me!

His lessons all resonate – but none will more than those of his latter days; strength! This is the Eric I choose to remember!

As children we played and fought. But to all it was more than apparent the bond of love we shared.

As adults, we would talk - impressing upon me his view of life and the lessons it taught him. He was inspirational in preparing me for it, defending me against anything he perceived to be a threat to my safety.

But the role reversal would come; I soon became his defender… indeed to the day of his earthly exit.

Eric, your death to me is now synonymous with the life of an amputee.

You took a part of my heart with you; Yet, I have to function, but will do so ever aware of that missing piece!

I am extremely proud to have had YOU as MY brother! I will miss you immensely. I already am! Rest in Peace Big Bro! I will forever love you!

Your Baby Sister…Laura

I

t is often said that big things come in little packages, you were small in stature but larger than life in personality. Despite what others thought of you, all had to admit that you were more than just talk. You have made lasting friendships with so many.

To us, you were a brother and friend. A brother-in-law with whom we shared so many meaningful memories. Above all you were about cultivating relationships. While no one is perfect, you loved as you knew how. Who could know your life would be used show the mercy and all-encompassing love of God, until the very end He caused you to understand what His True love is. Rest in peace, your race is done. You will be sorely missed.

Love, Audra and Vanessa Riley

MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE The family of Eric Knowles would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to all those who offered their support, comfort, and assistance during this difficult time of bereavement.

Your prayers, visits, encouraging words and gifts were greatly appreciated. Thank you.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS Eric Knowles Jr. Ethan Knowles Basil Knowles Ryan Antonio Sharma Fox Aurthur Chase Edvardo Humes PALLBEARERS Dwayne Brown Simon Chappell Michael O’Brien Noel Johnson Quinton Davis Mario Bastianv

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