Max Leon Knott stepped from this life into eternity on October 15, 2025.
With deep roots in the Stewart County, Tennessee portion of Between the Rivers, Leon was born on March 2, 195, to Willard and Dorothy Loreen Fox Knott. His mother passed away when he was only two days old and though he never knew her, he felt her loss and named his daughter Dottie in honor of his mother. He always treasured photographs and memories of his mother that others shared.
Known for his intelligence, curiosity, and work ethic, the smartest thing he ever did was to marry a fellow Between the Rivers native Fannie Bell Lawrence Knott on September 20, 1969 at the Briensburg Church of Christ. They traveled to 40+ states as missionaries during their marriage in addition to living in multiple states and Canada for a time. They also loved to travel and enjoyed dining at various restaurants which he later wrote reviews about in Montage. When his wife surprised him with a new Kawasaki motorcycle for his birthday one year, that became the vehicle for many of their adventures as well as Leon’s means of transportation for his seach for and visits to sites of iron ore furnaces in both Kentucky and Tennessee.
Leon wore many hats through his life. Botanist, carpenter, preacher, teacher, Bible scholar, amateur historian, astronomer, writer, photographer, fly fisherman, and mail carrier was just a few of them.
One of his favorite jobs was at the Museum of York County in South Carolina where his various positions included planetarian director, physical science educator, and taight a mirrow making for telescope class which was recognized nationally. Former students have contacted him over the years to thank him for his instructions and to share the telescope they built based on what he taught them.
Leon memorized the Bible and was known to quote chapters as well as to recite any verse upon request from any book in the Bible. He preached for a time but enjoyed leading Bible study groups and the subsequent discussion more. He acknowledged he was a sinner and an imperfect man, but having accepted Christ, he felt God used him to help people from all walks of life, often citing Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
In the later part of his life, he worked first as a substitute mail carrier in the Almo area and later worked full-time in Murray. In addition for being know for always getting the mail to the right box, Leon developed personal relationships with many on his route who became lifelong friends.
Though considered by many as hobbies, Leon’s love of fly fishing and photography were both serious pursuits for him. He delighted in making unique fly fishing lures and often took the time to show others the “right way” to fish. His camera was mounted on a gun stock which served as a stabilizer for his equipment, the design bought many comments, both positive and negative, and generated numerous discussions about another hobby of his: collecting guns.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Procter Lee and Murray Elizabeth Stimson Knott; maternal grandparents, Clyde Monarchus and Ruby Lorene Knight Fox; his mother via her heart, Cala Cornelia “Callie” Futrell Knott; his sister, Judy Knott Williams; and a stillborn infant.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Fannie; his son, Kalen Knott (Jessica) of Clover, SC; three daughters, Christa Kay Marshall (Allen) of Ohio, Dorothy Kara “Dottie” Hall (Chris) of Clover, SC, and Kana Marie Tolmie (Apollo) of Murray; and an adopted son, Danial Dutton Knott. Their prodigy blessed Leon and Fannie with grandchildren Justin Marshall, Jessica Price, Holly McDonald, Kristen Hall Moss, Mason Hall, Shyann Royality, Ender Royality, Kayden Rogers, Kensley Knott; great-granddaughter, Anya Nancy Rae Royality; and two great-grandsons, Henry Marshall and Eli Marshall. He is also survived by two brothers, Rick Knott of Texas and Kenny Knott of Kentucky.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Prayers are welcomed in lieu of flowers.
