RACINE – Rev. Tommie Lee Knuckles, age 83, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI.

He was born May 16, 1936 to Joseph and Odesser Knuckles in Twist, Arkansas and was second born of 17 children. Rev. Knuckles was baptized in the Tyronza River at the age of 12 and was educated in his younger years in Tyronza, Arkansas.  He later attended the Milwaukee Theological Institute before training and studying under the leadership of Rev. Mack C. Davis of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Racine.  He later became ordained in 1996. Rev. Knuckles was employed by J.I. Case for over 32 years, retiring in 1996.

Rev. Knuckles lived a full and active life collecting numerous models cars, bowling, shooting pool, and spending time at family gatherings. If he was not engaged with family he was most likely engaged in his favorite pass time – riding his Harley Davidson; either in the city or on a road trip south to Memphis, TN.

To cherish his memory, Rev. Knuckles leaves children Angela Knuckles, John Knuckles (Brenda), Lance Knuckles, Derrick Knuckles, Torrence Knuckles, Tyray Knuckles and Danielle Knuckles; siblings, Sammie (Emma) Smith of Oxford, MS, Jonnie B. Knuckles of Oakland, CA, Louis 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 Edwards of Racine, WI, Jeff Knuckles of Racine, WI, Odesser (Greg) Maxie of Vallejo, CA and Harvey Knuckles of Quimper, France; uncles, Rev. Alfred (Fannie) Burns of South Carolina, and Dan Burns of Racine, WI; aunts, Edna (Aaron) Baker of San Leandro, CA; and host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends; along with Willie Knuckles, Christine Supal and Barbara Knuckles.

Rev. Knuckles was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Odesser Knuckles; sister, Emma Knuckles; Brother, Joseph Knuckles Jr.; sisters-in-law Jacqueline Knuckles, Elizabeth Smith and Fabian Knuckles; brothers-in-law James Gray, Bill West, Sr., Charles Edwards And Nathanial Smith; aunts, Alma Farrow, Altoria Naylor, Dorothy Bowman and Julia Ellis; Mae Jessie Burns, Margaret Burns and Minnette Burns; uncles, Nelson Burns, Calvin Naylor and Carey Burns; niece, Katrina Edwards; daughter, Shelia Knuckles; sons, Michael Knuckles, Robert Knuckles and LC Knuckles.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020, 11:00 am at Christ Chapel MBC, 815 Park Avenue. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. In addition, there will be a visitation on Friday, February 28, 2020, 5-7 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.