Philip L. Knotts

Philip (Phil) L. Knotts, 83 years of age, residing in Hockessin, Delaware, died peacefully on June 2, 2015 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE; surrounded by loving family, and following a sudden illness.

He was born in Wilmington, DE on July 31, 1931, the first of two sons born of W. Lawrence Knotts and Edna Harvey Knotts. Phil was an alum of P. S. DuPont High School Class of 1949, where he met his future wife, Nancy Catherine Jones, also a native of Wilmington, DE.

He then attended and graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1953. Nancy and Phil entered into marriage shortly after he received his commission as Ensign in the U. S. Navy. He initially served on aircraft carriers, his career culminating in service aboard diesel electric submarines, and he achieved recognition as a Korean War veteran. He continued to attend Naval Academy reunions after receiving an honorable discharge in 1959.

He then attended Law School at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1961. He was a lifelong member of the Virginia Bar Association, and though never in private practice, was often consulted by friends, business and professional associates due to his extensive knowledge of constitutional and business law. He subsequently worked as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and later as a Trust Officer for Reeves Banking and Trust in Dover, OH.

He returned to Wilmington in 1967 to join the family business, where together with his younger brother, Paul Harvey Knotts, successfully grew Knotts, Inc. into one of the most successful bus companies in Delaware. He was a highly successful and well respected businessman and a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be dearly missed by four generations of surviving family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Jones Knotts, and a grandson, Cory Knotts of Gulf Breeze, FL. He is survived by his four sons; Lawrence Knotts (Wendy) of Cumming, GA, Robert Knotts (Patricia) of Davie, FL, Daniel Knotts and partner LisaD’Ascenzo of Chadds Ford, PA, and John Knotts (Marla) of Phoenix, AZ; ten grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

He is also survived by his brother Paul and his sister-in-law, Barbara and their four children, Steve, Paul, Kelly and William. Phil was extremely close with his extended family who provided extraordinary support during his brief illness. He is also survived by former daughter-in-law Ann Knotts of Burke, Virginia, Margaret Thomas of Chadds Ford, PA and Sheri Knotts of Gulf Breeze, FL.

Funeral services will be held at Hockessin United Methodist Church, 7250 Lancaster Pike (DelRoute 41), Hockessin, DE, 19707; at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2015. The viewing will be held the preceding evening at the same church and location from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015. Friends and acquaintances are cordially invited to attend both events. Burial will follow services in Bethel Cemetery, Chesapeake City, MD.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to the Delaware SPCA, 455 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713, or the Salvation Army, 400 North Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

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