David Earl Knowles

Dr. David Knowles took his final bow in this world on Saturday, November 16, after 75 years of singing, playing, teaching, learning, exploring, and deeply loving his family and friends.

A resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the past 25 years, David was born in Pensacola, FL. He graduated from Escambia High School and went on to study at the University of Florida, Mobile College, and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts. For over two decades, he shared his love of learning and music with students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he was honored as Instructor of the Year in 2006. 

David’s life was a symphony of rich experiences. From operas and performances at assisted living facilities to hiking, golfing, and cherishing time with his grandsons (and grandpups), his journey was guided by curiosity and joy (unless he was hungry—then things got tense). 

His love and spirit live on through his wife, Nora; his sons, Michael (Jenny) and Courtney (Jason); his brothers, Kenneth and Philip; and his two favorite little humans in the world—his grandsons, Jude and Charlie.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on Thursday, November 21, at 11:30 a.m. at The Nourishing Place (606 Tennessee Street, Gulfport, MS, 39503). Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. for those who wish to visit. Attire is casual and comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Save the Music Foundation (www.savethemusic.org) in David's name, to support equitable access to music education for millions of students nationwide.

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of David Knowles.