Joseph "Cutter"

Knapp, Jr.

Joseph Forrest "Cutter" Knapp, Jr., 95, of Thomasville, GA, passed away August 1, 2023, after having lived a life filled with service to his country, his community, and his church.  As a teen-ager during WW II, he served on the Thomas County defense Corps. when our National Guard was called to active duty.  A "Tin Can Sailor," he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the Fletcher-class destroyer, USS Smalley (DD-565).

His contributions to his community were many, for he felt strongly that those having the privilege of living in Thomas County have a responsibility to give back to this community, preserving its special heritage.  Having been raised a Baptist, he joined the Methodist church upon his marriage and remained a faithful member for the rest of his life.

Born May 22, 1928, in Thomasville, he was the second child of the late J. Forrest Knapp, Sr. and Katherine Chastain Knapp.  A student of Thomasville City Schools, he attended and graduated from Gordon Military College, attending Mercer University, and then completing his studies at Massey Business School in Jacksonville, FL.

His marriage August 28, 1955, in a ceremony performed by the Reverend Olin C. Cooper,

created the blessing of a ready-made family: himself, his bride Velma Cooper, and her two daughters Cheryl Lee Kemp and Susan Markle Kemp.

His business, Knapp Hardware Company, which he operated alongside his father, served this community for many years; it was known for carrying an unusually wide assortment of merchandise, matching Cutter's own varied and ever-changing interests.  In 1996 the family business was passed on to his son Taylor and continues in operation as Knapp Locksmith Company.  First appointed by President Richard Nixon during the Vietnam War, he went on to become the longest serving chairman of our local Selective Service board.  Active in scouting as a boy, he supported Boy Scouts America as an adult, serving on the Suwanee River Area Council Executive Committee.

Cutter, a descendant of some of Thomas County's earliest and most prominent families, gave of his time to numerous business and civic activities.  He was a 25-year member of the Thomasville Kiwanis Club and served two terms as a Thomas County Commissioner (1984–1992). His absence will be especially felt among a circle of sage community influencers, who have gathered faithfully at the "Coffee Club" and held council at "The Lunch Table" at the Plaza Restaurant for over 60 years.  Those behind-the-scene power brokers, who each meant so much to him, may not be singled out for mention, as Cutter insisted on upholding their one unbreakable rule:  "Who's here and what's said here, stays here!"  (Gentlemen, he took your secrets with him.  For the most part...)

A founding member of the Lake Iamonia Gun Club, Cutter was an avid outdoorsman, having hunted and fished throughout the United States, but most heavily in North Florida/South Georgia among the pristine plantations, rivers and across the Gulf of Mexico.  His love for Thomas County and the Red Hills Region was exemplary; he had a gift for regaling you with memorable tales of the area's history, family connections and his own exploits, some of which were true.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Velma Cooper Kemp Knapp; his dear friend of over 20 years, Mrs. Julia Willingham Robinson of Tallahassee, FL, his sister Martha Ann Knapp Glover, and son in law Phil Mansell, Sr.

Survivors include brother, Robert Elmo "Bobby" Knapp of Brunswick, GA, special cousin Shirley C. Carter of Thomasville, GA. Children: Cheryl Kemp Mansell of Roswell, GA, Markle Kemp Reece of Leesburg, GA, Gordon Franklin Knapp (Billie) of St. Stephen, SC, Taylor Cooper Knapp (Sheila) of Thomasville, GA, Lisa Knapp Ballard (Lee) of Morven, GA, and Joseph Forrest "J." Knapp, III (Lisa) of Thomasville, GA. Grandchildren: Montine Mansell Zaph (Joey), Philip Mansell, Jr. (Taylor), Susan Reece Tambrini (Seth), Katy Reece Baumgartel (Jeremy), Quincy Knapp O'Mahony, Cody Taylor Knapp, Justin Lyon Knapp, Coleman Lee Ballard, Melissa Taylee Ballard, Alexis Katherine Knapp, & Joseph Forrest "Jace" Knapp, IV; 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to his faithful caregivers, Corey and Veronica Bable, who are now also family.

A graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery Saturday, August 5th at 10:00 am. Pallbearers are grandsons Philip Mansell, Jr., Cole Ballard, Cody Knapp, Justin Knapp, Jace Knapp, and great-grandson Landon O'Mahony.

Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Balfour, III, R. Carlton Powell, Bobby Knapp, Warren Stafford, and John Bulloch.