Paul Richard Knecht, 80, of Rockingham, passed away Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 at Richmond Co. Hospice Haven.
He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Merle and Ada Batzel Knecht.
Paul served in the U.S. Army and retired from Alpha Plastics. He was a member of Timber Crossing Freewill Baptist Church and loved gardening and telling corny jokes!
He was a Godly man who seeks God first, lives with integrity, leads with humility, loves others selflessly, and strives to reflect God’s character in everything he does. He was a devoted husband and father, self-sacrificing, generous, and ready to give freely of his time, money and kindness. He was a true humanitarian. He loved his grandkids with all his heart and he was the best SPYDR-PAPPY ever!
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
“Jesus wept.” - John 11:35 (KJV)
A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Timber Crossing Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Charlie Tyler officiating, with military honors to follow. A private graveside service will be held for the family. The family will receive friends from 2:30-3 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Surviving, his wife, Paula Turner Knecht; children, Pamela Jo Knecht Ollis and Phillip James Knecht and wife Tara Hester Knecht; grandchildren, Elizabeth Faith Ollis, Alayna Katherine Knecht, Addison Josie Knecht and Easton James Carrol Knecht; and siblings, James Knecht and Debbie Knecht.
Memorials may be made at Timber Crossing Freewill Baptist Church, 277 Loch Haven Road, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Knecht family.
