Reynolds “Knox” Hollifield

Reynolds “Knox” Hollifield, 85, of Morganton passed away Monday, June 17, 2019 after a courageous and lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  He remained at his home throughout his battle and was surrounded by his family.

Knox was born in Spruce Pine on March 29, 1934.  He graduated from Harris High, where he drove the school bus routes during his junior and senior years.  In 1954 Knox enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona.  Thanks to the GI Bill, he graduated from Appalachian Teachers College in 1956 and began teaching at Drexel High School.  While there, he met another teacher and his future wife, Lena Williams.  He and Lena taught at Drexel until they helped open East Burke High School in 1975, where he taught Geometry and Trigonometry until his retirement in 1990.  Knox spent his retirement in the garden with Lena or in the swimming pool he loved so much.  He served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon throughout his life at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.  Perhaps the job title Knox was most proud of was that of Daddy.

Mr. Hollifield is survived by his wife, Lena, of the home; and daughters, Holly Farlow of Morganton and Heather Minter (Pete) of Conover.

In addition to his parents, Knox was preceded in death by his sister, Louise; brother, Jim; and son-in-law, Steve Farlow.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Dr. Dewey Thomas officiating.  The funeral will follow at 3 p.m. in the church.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Building Fund.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank a very special friend and caregiver, Marie Cook, who took care of Knox for the last two years and loved him each day as her own father.  Knox enjoyed visits with his physical therapist, Miss Abby, who helped with family through many difficult days.