Billy Joe Knox, 66, of Niota, died Friday, April 3, 2009, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late Robert Lee and Zelma Lee Jones Knox. He was preceded in death by one son, Jeffery Lynn Knox; and one great-grandson, Caiden Knox. He was a member of Niota United Methodist Church and was an employee of Crescent Hosiery Mill for 42 years.

Survivors include the love of his life of 37 years, Kitty Kyle Knox of Niota; three sons and four daughters-in-law, Billy Ray and Lisa Knox of Athens, Hoyl Travis and Rebecca Knox and Raymond Scott and Kimberly Knox, all of Niota, and Valerie Knox of Sweetwater; his mother-in-law, Ollie Sue Kyle of Athens; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Sam and Deloris Knox and James Henry and Aleen Knox, all of Niota, Alvin Erskin and Shirley Knox of Englewood, and Pat and Evelyn Knox of Niota; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Nell and Johnny McCollister of Niota, and Alice and James \"Bud\" Moses of Englewood; six grandchildren, Joseph Knox and wife, Rachel, Ryan Knox, Trevor Knox, Joshua Knox, Jonathan Knox and Stephanie Knox; special friends, Ronald and Nellie Price; a special niece, Linda Arnwine; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were 8 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Ensminger officiating. Burial was 11 a.m. Monday in Niota Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Jeff King, Joseph Knox, Ryan Knox, Dewayne Moses, Gary Clayton and Bobby Clayton. Honorary pallbearers were Jack Ewing, Tommy Maynard, Johnny Woodby, Mitchell Beckler, Johnny King and Robert Lane.

The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their care on B Wing of Athens Regional Medical Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Joe Knox Memorial Fund, c/o Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, P.O. Box 428, Athens, TN 37371-0428.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com