Carl Leroy Knox

Carl Leroy Knox, age 94, of St. Augustine, died suddenly on October 2, 2022. He lived with and was cared for by his loving and devoted daughter, Deborah for the past several years. Born in Medford, Oregon, to parents Fred and Ethel Knox, Carl grew up on the west coast joining the Army Air Corp (Air Force) directly out of high-school. He served his country proudly as chief technical engineer and was stationed in Hawaii, Alaska and later transferred to Andrews Air Force base. Carl was a dashingly handsome man and stood tall at 6’3”. He had a wonderful laugh, great hair, a sweet personality and a friendly smile. He loved working with jets and he had the coolest car, an original Cord. He loved to tinker and was an innovative and creative man. Carl met the truest love of his life, Dorothy Louise, while serving in the Air Force when he moved to DC. Dorothy was a beauty and they were a perfect match! They were married in 1951 and had two beautiful daughters. Carl retired from Air Force and worked for the D.C. police force, the Capital Police force and finally the White House uniformed Secret Service, serving under Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford. He was an expert marksman and was awarded for his abilities by the Secretary of State on several occasions. Carl and Dorothy lived for many years in Clifton, Virginia, where Carl prided himself on the brick home he helped design and build. They raised their two daughters, gained two sons in marriage and enjoyed many years of grandchildren around the pool and grounds. Carl really enjoyed his family and friends. He was a devoted Christian and read his Bible many hours a day. Carl was a generous man always giving of himself to others and always willing to lend a hand to family, friends and neighbors. Carl and Dorothy moved to St. Augustine, FL in 1996 and lived together in happiness spending time playing tennis and golf, cruising, going to Disney, traveling around the country and world and eventually enjoying their new role as great grandparents. Carl and Dottie loved dogs their whole life and had many dogs that held a special place in their hearts, but their last two puppies, Fluffy and Tiger would be the companions that would be a comfort to Grandad for years and be with them through the end. In 2011, Carl suffered the loss of his beloved wife, Dorothy, to cancer after 60 years of blissful marriage. Carl spent the last decade of his life happy to be with family, but always missing his true love. He longed to be in his forever home basking in the glory of our Father in heaven with his Honey, Dorothy, by his side. Carl continued to be a kind and generous father and grandfather to his family throughout his life. His family was thankful to spend many holidays and visits with him and they were grateful for the memory of celebrating his 94th birthday with him this past August. Carl was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful man and a great example of Christ’s love and grace. He left a legacy of love with so many happy memories for his family to cherish forever. In addition to his parents and beloved wife Dorothy, he was preceded in death by his precious and loved by all granddaughter Dorothy Tenney. Carl is survived by his two daughters, Deborah Casler of St. Augustine, FL and Carol Wilkinson of Upper U.P., MI, his two sons by marriage now separated, but still dearly loved James Casler and Mark Wilkinson, his Grandchildren Adam Casler, Joshua Wilkinson, Hannahlee and husband Matthew Goedelman, Samantha Cichon, Joya and husband Aaron Brown, Heather Casler and James Schlesinger, and his 10 Great Grandchildren Hannah, Lindlee, Ethan, Talon, Aiden, Lilyana, Bella, Caleb, Leroy and Ollie. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Dr. Walter West officiating. A visitation, beginning at 10 am will precede the service. Military honors and interment will follow at 2:30 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carl Leroy Knox

August 12, 1928 - October 2, 2022