DeWitt Knox Jr.'s Obituary
DeWitt Knox, Jr., 95, of Dallas, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on October 14, 2021.
DeWitt was born on May 10, 1926 in Tupelo, Miss., to DeWitt Knox, Sr. and Lillian Robertson Knox. His father had six brothers and three sisters, and often he and his father would go to the family farm in Pontotoc, Miss. to visit his uncles and aunts. And he often told stories of his group of friends who accompanied him on his childhood adventures building boats, tree houses, and soapbox cars. He taught himself to play the piano and the ukulele. He was also in the high school band as a cornet player, which is a skill he carried throughout his life as he collected a trumpet, a baritone and a valve trombone that he loved to play.
During World War II, DeWitt proudly served in the Pacific as a Naval electrician’s mate on the USS Maury and the USS Narragansett from 1944–1946. He enjoyed his time in the Navy and, being the only one who could keep the engines running, he was glad to say he was never assigned KP duty.
After his service, he returned to Mississippi to continue his studies at Mississippi State, graduating in 1949 with a degree in electrical engineering. He was an avid, serious student, choosing to study full time rather than join the football team. In recognition of his hard work, he was inducted into the honorary engineering fraternity, Tau Beta Pi. But he also showed his social side as a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
After graduation, he was offered a job with IBM, which was one of the happiest days of his life. During his initial sales training in New York, he was surprised by being elected class president of the new group of IBM salesmen. This ability to inspire and encourage others continued throughout his career. He spent 43 years at IBM, beginning in sales, then sales management, district management, and working his way up to future product planning where he enjoyed applying his engineering skills to develop innovative products. He was also director of IBM’s National Training School where he and a creative team produced training material and films. He was greatly admired as a strong, imaginative leader who motivated others to be their best.
On July 21, 1951, DeWitt married the love of his life, Annie Laurie Roberts. They had 65 wonderful years enjoying life together and he missed her every day after she predeceased him. Theirs was a true partnership. They enjoyed traveling, attending IBM’s Golden Circle trips, and hosting family and friends at the innumerable parties they gave throughout the years.
After retiring from IBM, DeWitt started a live oak tree farm near Hillsboro, Texas on the Brazos River. The times he and the family spent at the farm were always full of DeWitt’s projects and adventures. He built the farmhouse and boathouse by himself from the ground up. The entire family loved that little homestead and how special he made it. He created a fun environment that he shared with others so that they could enjoy the river, the land, and the great outdoors. He and Annie Laurie hosted 29 fantastic Fourths of July on the farm creating unforgettable memories for all who participated.
Those who knew DeWitt remember him as a fun-loving and creative thinker with a joyful, positive, and never-give-up attitude. He truly whistled while he worked, or he would sing funny songs no one had ever heard before. He was an accomplished tennis player, snow skier, loved hunting and fishing, building projects big and small or inventing gadgets and devices to enhance life experiences. He always had a project in the works and continued to build into his 80’s.
DeWitt committed his life to Jesus at age 13. He often cited the Gospel of Matthew as the book he read as a young teenager and used as his life’s guide. He loved the Lord and had great confidence in His plan for his life. He never missed an opportunity to share the love and care that the Lord Jesus had for him. His words poured forth the joy of the Lord, who was his strength. We rejoice that he is in Heaven, fully healed and experiencing his best life ever.
DeWitt was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Martha. He is survived by his son, DeWitt Knox, III, daughters Nancy Lynn Knox and Laurie Ann Knox, grandsons DeWitt Knox, IV (Courtney), Hanson Edward Knox and Forrest David Knox (Haley), two great-grandchildren, Meriden May and Navy Forrest, and nephews Ron Roberts (Laura) and Forrest Roberts, and niece, Angela Roberts.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 1:00pm at
Believers Chapel, 6240 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX, 75230. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Believers Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of DeWitt?
What’s a lesson you learned from DeWitt?
Share a story where DeWitt's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with DeWitt you’ll never forget.
How did DeWitt make you smile?