Maury Knowlton

Maury Stafford Knowlton, Jr., age 81, died at his home in Memphis, TN on Friday, July 9, 2021, surrounded by family. He was born May 5, 1940, in Memphis, TN.
Maury graduated in 1958 from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana receiving the coveted award for moral and spiritual guidance. He then attended Ole Miss University where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. In 1963, Maury graduated from Mississippi State University (magna cum laude and OKD) with a degree in Animal husbandry. For six years, he farmed with his father in Perthshire, MS. In 1968, Maury earned an accounting degree from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. After taking the CPA exam and passing all four parts at one sitting, he made the highest grade in the state of TN. He moved, with his family, to Memphis, TN, and joined the accounting firm of Deloitte Haskins and Sells. In 1980, Maury accepted a position with Helena Chemical Company as their CFO of finance and administration. After Helena, he joined National Bedding and Flooring Company, a position that led him to Chicago to become Chief financial officer of Serta, Inc. nationwide. His last position was CEO of InTime, an aerial imaging company in Cleveland, MS. Maury had a love for agriculture staying involved even while engaged in other business interest. In his simi-retirement he was very active in developing precision agriculture to enhance the farming industry.
Maury was a member of many civic organizations including, The Economics club of Memphis, the American institutes of public accounting (AICPA), a member of Cleveland Rotary Club, a member of Delta Council, a leader of Junior achievement, and affiliated with The National Cotton Council.
Maury was a deacon at Second Baptist Church in Memphis, TN.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dixie Lewis Knowlton, his son, Dr. David Knowlton (Heather) of Glen Carbon, IL, his daughter, Beth Knowlton Warren (Brian) of Yorkville, IL, four grandchildren - Emma Knowlton, Sarah Knowlton, Matthew David Warren, and Maury Elizabeth Warren, sister, Martha Knowlton Peeples, and a brother, Sam Dove Knowlton II (Gwen), and many cousins, nephews, and nieces whom he loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Maury and Martha Irvin Knowlton.
A visitation will be held at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS Thursday, July 15, 2021, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. with graveside service immediately following. A Celebration of Maury's life will be held at Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Rd. in Memphis, TN on Saturday, July 17th at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation at 1:00 p.m. Memorials can be made to Second Baptist Church in Memphis or any charity of your choice.

Visitation

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Thursday, July 15, 2021
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Graveside

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Thursday, July 15, 2021
Drew Cemetery Main Street N.E. Drew, Mississippi, United States