Deacon Joseph Knuckles Jr., 72, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, while joyfully worshipping and praising his Savior during Lenten service. He was born in Tyronza, AR, on August 15, 1944, to the late Joseph Sr. and Odesser (nee: Burns) Knuckles, and he relocated to Racine, WI, in 1963.  He was the seventh of seventeen children and was united in marriage to his wife Hattie (nee: McShan) Knuckles. He was previously married to Jacqueline (nee: Herron) Knuckles, who passed away in 2004.

Joe professed his faith in Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, in Tyronza, Arkansas. He was a deacon and faithful member of Second Missionary Baptist Church where he loved and cared for the house of God while serving in many other capacities.

He openly expressed his loved for God and could often be found studying his Bible. One of his greatest desires was simply to see everyone fellowship and be kind and respectful to each other. He was blessed with various skills that he poured into such hobbies as designing porches, decks, patios and customized jewelry boxes. He was also known as a master on the barbecue grill whenever he had the urge to put it on display.

He enjoyed reading the bible, bowling, fishing and traveling. In the past he always looked forward to Wednesday, which was his designated shopping day with his mother, and also the day when he would read the Bible to her. He was a peacemaker, and a proponent of the gospel who often encouraged others to read the Bible, because according to one of his favorite quotes, "God is about peace." He was a long time employee of Chrysler, and he retired in July 2000.

To cherish his memory, Joseph leaves his loving wife Hattie; children, Fredrick Butler and Hope McShan;  siblings, Sammy (Emma) Smith of Oxford, MS., Rev. Tommie Knuckles of Racine, WI, Jonnie B. Knuckles of Oakland, CA, Louise Smith of Racine, WI, Ora Gray of Racine, WI, Carey (Cheryl) Knuckles of Evansville, IN, Sampson Knuckles of Racine, WI, Earl Knuckles of Racine, WI, Ruby (Louis) Buckingham of Antioch, CA, Classie West of Racine, WI, Dorothy (Willie) Burnett of Anniston, AL, Altoria (Charles) Edwards of Racine, WI, Jeff Knuckles of Racine, WI, Odesser (Greg) Maxie of Vallejo, CA, and Harvey Knuckles of Quimper, France; a special sister, Willie Knuckles of Racine, WI; uncles, Rev. Alfred (Fannie) Burns of South Carolina, Dan Burns of Racine, WI and Nelson Burns of Memphis, TN; aunts, Edna (Aaron) Baker of San Leandro, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Odesser Knuckles; sister, Emma Knuckles; his first wife, Jacqueline Knuckles; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Smith and Fabian Knuckles; brothers-in-law James Gray, Bill West, Sr., and Nathaniel Smith; aunts, Alma Farrow, Altoria Naylor, Dorothy Bowman and Julia Ellis; Mae Jessie Burns, Margaret Burns and Minnette Burns; uncles, Calvin Naylor and Carey Burns; niece, Sheila Knuckles; nephews, Michael Knuckles, Robert Knuckles, and LC Knuckles.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 11:00 am, in Second Missionary Baptist Church, 1250 Lathrop Avenue.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:00am until the time of service. Bishop Mark Freeman will be officiating.  Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park.

Service Details

Funeral: Saturday, March 11, 2017  11:00am

Visitation: Saturday, March 11, 2017  9:00am – 11:00am

Location: Second Missionary Baptist, 1250 Lathrop Ave, Racine, Wisconsin

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