Delmas (Jack) Knowles

Mr. Delmas “Jack” Knowles, known by many as “Coonhunter,” passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at a Pensacola hospital. Mr. Knowles was a native of Flomaton, Alabama, and spent most of his life in the Stanley Crossroads community of Brewton, Alabama. He was a faithful member and served as a deacon at Magnolia Baptist Church. He graduated from Flomaton High School, Class of 1958, where he was a standout athlete. He played baseball and four years of football, earning All-State honors during his senior year. Mr. Knowles retired after 36 years with the Alabama Board of Corrections. During his career, he assisted local law enforcement in apprehending criminal suspects and escaped inmates. He was widely respected and held the title of Search Party Dog Handler due to his extensive knowledge and experience in training tracking dogs. He was an avid coon hunter and enjoyed fishing, as well as all types of hunting. He loved the outdoors and especially cherished time spent with his family. Survivors include his son, Edwin of Mobile, Alabama; grandson, Jacob (Cassidy) of Spring, Texas; great-grandson, Caleb of Spring, Texas; one sister, Beckie (Howard) Smith of East Brewton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members. He is also survived by a special friend and hunting buddy, Eudell Sheffield, and a devoted caregiver, Annette Frye. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed Rufus and Minnie Knowles; his wife, Ruby; a son, Shannon; a daughter-in-law, Teresa; one brother, Huey Knowles; and four sisters, Faye Cumbie, Hazel Thomas, Doris Stewart, and Alma Lois Knowles. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Rev. Larry Knowles and Rev. Waylon Stuckey officiating. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC. Pallbearers will be Anthony Everage, Cecil Bell, Greg Fillmore, Micah McNarin, James Smith, and Rickey Lambeth. The family would like to thank everyone for your calls, prayers, and kindness during this time, especially his church family. Petty Funeral Homes, LLC of Atmore is in charge of arrangements.

Delmas (Jack) Knowles

December 19, 1937 - March 29, 2026